What Are Legless Lizards? The Closest Relatives to Snakes Explained
Discover why legless lizards are the closest relatives to snakes and what makes them unique.
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Legless lizards are the closest thing to snakes. These reptiles have elongated bodies, no legs, and often move in a similar slithering fashion. Unlike snakes, they have eyelids, external ear openings, and a less flexible jaw, which helps distinguish them from their serpentine cousins.
FAQs & Answers
- What are legless lizards? Legless lizards are reptiles that resemble snakes due to their elongated bodies and lack of legs. They are distinct from snakes as they possess eyelids and external ear openings.
- How can you differentiate between snakes and legless lizards? You can differentiate them by observing their physical features: legless lizards have eyelids, external ear openings, and a less flexible jaw, whereas snakes lack these characteristics.
- Are there other animals similar to snakes? Yes, in addition to legless lizards, there are other reptiles like certain species of salamanders that can exhibit similar elongated body shapes and movement styles.
- Why do legless lizards move like snakes? Legless lizards move similarly to snakes due to their elongated bodies and muscular structure, which allows them to slither as a means of locomotion.