øgler

Øgler is a Danish term referring to lizards, a diverse group of reptiles belonging to the order Squamata. These animals are characterized by their scaly skin, four limbs (though some species have reduced or absent limbs), and external ear openings. Lizards are found on every continent except Antarctica, inhabiting a wide range of environments from deserts and rainforests to urban areas. Their diets vary considerably, with many species being insectivores, while others consume plants, smaller vertebrates, or even carrion.

The morphology of lizards displays significant variation. Size can range from the tiny leaf-toed geckos, measuring only a few centimeters, to the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard, which can reach up to three meters in length. Many lizards possess a remarkable ability to shed their tails as a defense mechanism against predators, a process known as autotomy. This detached tail often continues to wriggle, distracting the predator while the lizard escapes. Reproduction in lizards typically involves laying eggs, although some species give birth to live young. Their coloration and patterns serve various purposes, including camouflage, thermoregulation, and communication.