Difference Between Geckos and Chameleons

Geckos vs Chameleons

Geckos and chameleons are lizards but with many differences. Geckos are small lizards that belong to the Gekkonidae family. The chameleons are large lizards that belong to the Chamaeleonidae family.

Geckos are abundantly seen in warm habitats, and they are known for their unique vocalizations making chirping sounds. Geckos consist of 3 subfamilies and 80 genera. About 600 species of geckos are seen. On the contrary, chameleons consist of 2 genre and about 50 species are noticed. Chameleons are also seen in warm climates and do not make sounds like that of geckos.

Chameleons are distinguished by their stereoscopic mobile eyes, parrot-like zygodactylous feet, long, highly modified extrudable tongues, prehensile tail, and crests on their heads. Another unique characteristic of the chameleon is its ability to change body colour. It changes colour according to the situation. Geckos are seen in various colours, like, blue, purple, black, and pink. Unlike chameleons, geckos are the most-colourful lizards.

Geckos have fused eyelids, and about 75 per cent of the species are nocturnal with vertical and narrow pupils. The other geckos have round pupils. Geckos have flattened bodies; wide, flat heads, and short necks. Their feet, which are like toes, have tiny hooked bristles. This helps them to climb walls and ceilings. Geckos are arboreal and insectivores. Some of the geckos are egg layers and others viviparous.

Chameleons have large heads, laterally compressed bodies, and sticky tongues. They have fused feet. The prehensile tail along with their fused feet helps the chameleons to move from one branch to another. They have cone-shaped eyes that protrude from their head. The eyes move in all directions.

“Gecko” is a term that has been derived from Malay Gekoq which is an imitation of its cry. “Chameleon” has been derived from Latin Chamaeleo which has been borrowed from the ancient Greek Khamaileon. “Khamai” means “on the ground” and “leon” means “lion.

Summary:

1.Geckos are small lizards that belong to the Gekkonidae family. Chameleons are large lizards that belong to the Chamaeleonidae family.
2.Geckos consists of 3 subfamilies and 80 genera. About 600 species of geckos are seen. On the contrary, chameleons consist of 2 genre and about 50 species are noticed.
3.Geckos are known for their unique vocalizations making chirping sounds.
4.A unique characteristic of a chameleon is its ability to change body colour. It changes colour according to the situation.
5.Geckos are seen in various colours, like, blue, purple, black, and pink. Unlike chameleons, geckos are the most-colourful lizards.

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