lisko

Lisko is the Finnish word for lizard, a reptile of the suborder Lacertilia within the order Squamata. In everyday Finnish usage, lisko refers to the category of lizards broadly, rather than a specific species.

Lizards are ectothermic vertebrates characterized by a scaly skin and a wide range of body forms. Most lizards have four legs, a long tail, and bodies adapted to various habitats, from deserts to forests and urban areas. They are generally insectivorous or carnivorous, with some species omnivorous or herbivorous. Reproduction varies; many species lay eggs, while some give birth to live young. Many lizards can shed their tails to escape predators, and tail regrowth occurs in some species.

Lizards comprise thousands of species across continents except Antarctica, occupying climates from tropical to temperate. They play roles in ecosystems as insect controllers, as prey for larger animals, and as indicators of environmental health. Conservation status ranges from common to endangered, influenced by habitat loss, climate change, and the introduction of nonnative species.

Other uses: Outside the Finnish language, Lisko can appear as a surname or as a place name in some contexts, though these uses are not related to the animal sense.