Lizards

Lizards are a widespread group of reptiles, composed of over 6000 extant species, that through their history inhabited every continent of the globe. Although the group is paraphyletic (it excludes snakes and amphisbaenians), if converted into a monophiletic group, they are synonymous with Squamata. They range in size from the size of a hummingbird to the size of a sperm whale. Most land lizards are quadrupedal, running in a strong side-to-side motion, in opposition to the straight movement of other reptiles, such as archosaurs and turtles. Although some don't move in quadrupedal stance, such as mosasaurs, which are pretty much strictly aquatic. Some lizards are territorial, with males fighting off other males to defend their territory, often with bright colors, that can also be used for mating purposes. Many lizards are carnivorous, some being sit-and-wait predators, and their diet varies on size, from small invertebrates to gigantic megafauna. Some lizard species are omnivorous or herbivorous. Lizards also have their own set of protection against predators, including venom, camouflage, reflex bleeding and the abbility to loose and regrow their tails.