Varanoidea

Varanoidea is a superfamily of lizards that includes monitor lizards and their extinct relatives. They are characterized by their elongated bodies, powerful limbs, and long, often forked tongues, which they use for sensing their environment. Monitor lizards, the most well-known members of this group, are found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. They range in size from small species to the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard. Varanoidea also encompasses a variety of extinct species, some of which were much larger than modern monitors and occupied diverse ecological niches. Fossil evidence suggests that the group originated in Asia during the Cretaceous period. Members of Varanoidea are generally carnivorous, with diets varying depending on the species and habitat. Some are terrestrial, while others are arboreal or semi-aquatic. Their evolutionary history is complex, with ongoing research seeking to clarify relationships within the group and their place in the broader reptilian tree. The superfamily's distinctive features and adaptations have allowed them to thrive in a wide range of environments across their geographic distribution.