Discover the Lizards Closest to Snakes

Learn about the lizards most closely related to snakes, including monitor lizards and legless lizards. Explore their fascinating traits!

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Lizards closest to snakes are the monitor lizards and legless lizards within the same order, Squamata. Monitor lizards share many physiological and genetic traits with snakes, suggesting a close evolutionary relationship. Legless lizards resemble snakes and share anatomical similarities but differ in having eyelids and external ear openings.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What lizards are most similar to snakes? The lizards most similar to snakes are monitor lizards and legless lizards, both of which belong to the order Squamata and share close evolutionary relationships with snakes.
  2. What are the main differences between legless lizards and snakes? Legless lizards differ from snakes in anatomical features such as the presence of eyelids and external ear openings, despite their similar appearance.
  3. Are monitor lizards dangerous to humans? Monitor lizards can be dangerous due to their size and aggression if provoked, but they are generally not a threat to humans unless handled carelessly.
  4. How did lizards evolve into snakes? Lizards evolved into snakes through a series of adaptations for life in different environments, resulting in the loss of limbs and altered body shapes over millions of years.