Final answer:
The squirrel glider and the lizard are not closely related in their evolutionary relationship, as indicated by the presence of amniotic eggs in lizards and rabbits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The squirrel glider and the lizard are not closely related in terms of their evolutionary relationship. This can be concluded based on the phylogenetic tree in Figure 12.5 which shows that lizards and rabbits have amniotic eggs, while salamanders (which are within the frog lineage) do not. Even though lizards and salamanders may appear more similar on the surface, the presence of amniotic eggs in lizards and rabbits indicates a closer evolutionary relationship between them compared to lizards and salamanders.