Key Stages in the Lizard Life Cycle and Their Significance
Lizards belong to a reptile group as there are more than 6,000 species of reptiles ranging all across the world except Antarctica as they can not survive in island chains. Their size ranges from chameleons of a few centimeters to komodo dragons of 3 meter long. Most of the lizards run with strong side to side motion, i.e, quadrupedal motion. Some of them are legless and have snake-like bodies and most of them have the property to glide. They are mainly carnivorous in nature as they feed on prey for their survival. Their most common prey is terrestrial invertebrates. They are scaly skinned reptiles that are easily distinguished from snakes by their possession of legs, movable eyelids, and external ear openings.
Classification of Lizard
Life Cycle of Lizard
Life cycle of lizard is divided into three stages, they are given below:
1. Lying and Hatching of Eggs: The life cycle begins with the lizard hatching from an egg, as some species give birth to young ones but in case of lizards they have to undergo a metamorphosis process for further development. After their development adult lizards lay eggs which again undergo the same process of laying eggs and developing into new adults. Time taken from laying eggs to developing into new individuals varies from species to species. Some species of lizards lay eggs in the hole and leave the eggs on their own. Some species will return to warm the eggs and their incubation period varies from 30-90 days.
2. The Juvenile Stage: After hatching or giving birth, juvenile lizards are now ready to undergo development to form developed individuals. In some species of lizards, juvenile lizards do not get proper care from their parents.
3. An Adult Stage: When lizards are fully developed they further undergo the mating process. This mating process varies from species to species. During the mating process males attract females by spreading their frill and once mating is done they lay eggs between 8 to 23. Perfect atmosphere for mating is the dry season.
Adaptation Done by Them for Survival
Lizards can survive anywhere, whether it be deep oceans or harsh climates. Due to their similarity with snakes they are often mistaken, but one major difference between snakes and lizards is the presence of legs in lizards and moveable eyelids in lizards. Lizards develop dry scaly skin but most lizards lack this dry scaly more adapting with different conditions. Defence capability of lizards is awesome. They have caudal autotomy, where they protect themself with the help of their tail and make a hostile environment for themself. Most amazing feature of lizards is growing back their tails.
Conclusion
Lizards are a wonderful part of the reptilia community and have a very elegant life. Well, who wouldn’t like to be on walls and be able to peek whenever, jokes apart. This article gives you great insight on the Lizard family and their life cycle. You can garner some fascinating facts from here.
FAQs on Lizard Life Cycle: Complete Guide for Students
1. What are the main stages in the life cycle of a lizard?
The life cycle of a typical lizard is completed in three main stages, demonstrating incomplete metamorphosis:
The Egg Stage: The cycle begins when a female lizard lays soft, leathery eggs, often in a hidden, warm place to protect them from predators and environmental stress. The incubation period varies widely among species, lasting from a few weeks to several months.
The Juvenile (Hatchling) Stage: A miniature version of the adult, called a hatchling or juvenile, emerges from the egg. This young lizard is fully independent and must immediately hunt for small insects and hide from predators, as most species do not receive parental care.
The Adult Stage: After a period of growth, which can take months or years, the juvenile lizard reaches sexual maturity and becomes an adult. At this stage, it is capable of reproducing, and the life cycle begins again.
2. Do all lizards lay eggs? Explain with examples.
No, not all lizards lay eggs. While most lizard species are oviparous (egg-laying), some are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. This difference is a key example of evolutionary adaptation. For instance, the common Wall Lizard lays eggs. In contrast, certain species like the Blue-tongued Skink and Solomon Islands Skink retain the eggs inside the mother's body, where the embryos develop and are later born as fully-formed juveniles. This adaptation is often found in colder climates where external temperatures are too low for successful egg incubation.
3. What is the key difference between a juvenile and an adult lizard, besides size?
The primary difference between a juvenile and an adult lizard, apart from size, is reproductive capability. A juvenile lizard is not yet sexually mature and cannot reproduce. The transition to the adult stage is marked by the development of reproductive organs. Other differences may include changes in colouration (adults may develop brighter colours for mating displays) and behaviour, such as territorial defence and courtship rituals, which are absent in juveniles.
4. How are hatchling lizards adapted to survive without parental care?
Hatchling lizards are examples of precocial animals, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Their survival depends on several key adaptations:
Innate Instincts: They are born with the instinct to hunt for small prey like ants and tiny insects, and to hide from predators.
Energy Reserves: The yolk absorbed from the egg provides initial energy, and many species can store fat in their tails, which acts as a crucial energy reserve if food is scarce.
Camouflage: Their skin colour and patterns often provide excellent camouflage, helping them blend into their surroundings to avoid being seen by birds, snakes, and other predators.
5. What is the scientific classification of a typical lizard?
The scientific classification places lizards within the animal kingdom based on their evolutionary characteristics. A typical lizard, like the common house gecko, is classified as follows:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
The order Squamata is significant as it includes both lizards and snakes, highlighting their close evolutionary relationship.
6. How does the diet of a lizard change throughout its life cycle?
A lizard's diet changes primarily in relation to its size and energy needs at different life stages. Most lizards are carnivorous (specifically, insectivorous). A juvenile hatchling, being very small, will feed on tiny prey such as ants, gnats, and small spiders. As it grows into an adult, its size and strength increase, allowing it to hunt larger and more substantial prey like crickets, flies, worms, and even other small lizards or mice, depending on the species.
