Question

What characteristics differentiate lizards and snakes?

a) Lizards have limbs and external ears; snakes lack limbs and ears.
b) Snakes have eyelids and move slower than lizards.
c) Lizards have elongated bodies and no fangs; snakes have shorter bodies and fangs.
d) Both lizards and snakes have identical external features.

Answer 1

Lizards and snakes can be differentiated based on the presence or absence of certain features. Lizards have limbs and external ears, whereas snakes lack limbs and ears. Snakes have unique characteristics like a very flexible jaw and the ability to swallow large prey whole.

Step-by-step explanation:

Characteristics of Lizards and Snakes

Lizards and snakes are distinguished by scales or shields and movable quadrate bones, which make it possible to open the upper jaw very wide. Without this ability, the snake diet would be very limited.

Characteristics of Snakes

Snakes are different from legless lizards because they do not have eyelids, limbs, external ears, or forelimbs. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica and range in size from tiny to large.

Summary

Snakes and lizards are both in the order Squamata, distinguished by scales or shields and movable quadrate bones. Snakes do not have eyelids, limbs, external ears, or forelimbs, while lizards may have limbs and external ears.