Lizard Jump (Lacerta agilis, Lacertilia, Squamata)

P. P. Gambaryan, V. N. Korolev

Abstract


A rapid film of a jumping sand lizard, Lacerta agilis, has revealed it to show distinct asymmetrical locomotor activity. A symmetrical diagonal pattern which is commonly characteristic of lizards is considered to be a higher adaptation for rapid terrestrial locomotion among the Tetrapoda. The fact that lizards under certain circumstances are able to use an asymmetrical pattern as well, can hardly help to explain the evolutionary change to asymmetrical locomotion.


Keywords


locomotion; Lacertilia; symmetrical gaits; asymmetrical jumps

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-1999-6-2-92-94

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