sisalikud

Sisilikud, commonly known as lizards, are a diverse group of squamate reptiles. They include thousands of species across several families, such as Gekkonidae (geckos), Scincidae (skinks), Lacertidae (lacertids), and Varanidae (monitor lizards). Lizards are found on every continent except Antarctica and occupy a wide range of habitats, from deserts and forests to grasslands and urban areas.

Physical characteristics: Most lizards have dry, scaly skin and a compact, agile body. The majority are four‑limbed, but many lineages show reduced limbs or are legless. They vary greatly in size, from tiny geckos to large monitors. Lizards are ectothermic, relying on external heat sources to regulate body temperature. They use a variety of locomotor and sensory adaptations, such as tail autotomy to escape predators, camouflage, and specialized toes for climbing.

Diet and reproduction: Diets are diverse but mainly insectivorous; many species also eat small vertebrates, fruits, or flowers. Reproduction is similarly varied: most species lay eggs (oviparous), while others give birth to live young (viviparous or ovoviviparous). Parental care is relatively rare among lizards.

Ecology and conservation: Lizards play important roles as both predators of insects and as prey for larger animals. They can be indicators of environmental health and are used in ecological research. Threats include habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive predators; some species are endangered or threatened. In human contexts, several lizards are kept as pets (such as geckos and some small agamids) and many are valued for their ecological benefits.