What key feature distinguishes the Northern Alligator Lizard from skinks?
Answer
Presence of four short legs
A defining physical characteristic that helps distinguish the Northern Alligator Lizard from species like skinks or legless lizards is the presence of its four short, albeit relatively weak, legs. While these limbs are not designed for high-speed running or extensive climbing, their existence confirms its placement within the lizard category, separating it from entirely limbless reptiles. The lizard generally relies more heavily on stealth, camouflage, and its secretive ground-dwelling habits for survival rather than locomotion using these appendages. Other features like scale texture or coloration are shared among various reptile groups, making the presence of these limbs a key diagnostic trait.
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