Question

The reptile which glides in the air is
A) Draco
B) Phrynosoma
C) Anguis
D) Calotes

Answer 1

Reptiles include organisms like lizards, snake, tortoise, turtle etc. These are distinguished from other classes due to their scaly skin and oviparous characteristic. The above mentioned are all species or genus of lizards.

Complete answer:
Gliding behavior of the lizard is quite unpopular and seems unique to the category, however with the help of an aerofoil and elongated thoracic ribs, it is seen in a particular specie of lizard. To get a clear view of this question first we must understand the characteristics of various given reptiles.

Draco is known as the gliding lizard or the flying lizard. It belongs to the genus of agamid lizards. Due to the presence of scaly membranes between the forelimbs and hindlimbs, it is able to glide from one tree to another. It’s hindlimbs are flat and wing-like. It is mostly of dull color, however its wings are brightly colored. It is found in Western Ghats and other hill forest of Southern India.

Phrynosoma are the horned lizards that come under the category of genus of American lizards. The name literally tells about its structure i.e. toad bodied. It posses flat, round body with blunt snouts. It interacts only when it has to mate with someone in the breeding season otherwise leads a solitary lifestyle. The little communication it does is through the species-specific manner.

Anguis is also known as slow worm or blind worm. It has similarity with snake and is a legless lizard. It prefers strictly humid and temperate habitats of Europe and parts of Asia. It can be found in compost pit, wetlands, grassy areas and similar places. It is said to be a fossil specie.

Calotes are either forest lizard or the blood suckers. These are found in India, Srilanka, South-east Asia and some Pacific Islands. They possess flat body with mostly in shades of brown and yellow. They show various color patterns, however males are more attractive than the females.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note:
- Draco lizards can reach upto 50m or 160 feet if they glide the longest with the perfect angle.
- The slow worm have a Proto-Germanic origin but due to its characteristic slow movement it seems it’s name identifies with it.
- Phrynosoma resides in arid-semi arid region where it can find vegetative ground and access to large open area.