Gekkota

Gekkota is a clade of squamate reptiles that groups the geckos with their closest relatives. It is a widely recognized lineage in modern reptile taxonomy, though its exact composition has shifted with new phylogenetic analyses. The group includes several families such as Gekkonidae (true geckos), Eublepharidae (eyelid geckos), Diplodactylidae and Carphodactylidae (Australian geckos), and Pygopodidae (legless geckos).

Members of Gekkota are generally small to medium-sized lizards. A characteristic feature of many species is the presence of specialized toe pads that enable adhesion to smooth surfaces, supporting a wide range of climbing habits. Behavioral diversity is high: many species are nocturnal and insectivorous, while others show diurnal activity. Vocalizations are common in many gekkotans and are used for communication, territory defense, and courtship. Reproductive modes vary by lineage; most geckos lay eggs, though some pygopodids give birth to live young.

Gekkotans occur in a broad array of habitats, from tropical forests to arid deserts and urban areas. They are distributed worldwide, with particularly high diversity in Africa, Asia, and Australia. The Australian gecko fauna, including Diplodactylidae and Carphodactylidae, represents a major component of this clade. Adaptations such as nocturnal activity patterns, climbing capabilities, and diverse reproductive strategies have contributed to their ecological success across continents.

The fossil record indicates a deep history for gekkotans, with gecko-like forms appearing in the Cretaceous. Molecular studies have helped to resolve relationships within the clade, but exact timing of diversification remains a continuing area of research.