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Is a gecko a mammal?

2025-03-03 17:40:05 24

Geckos are not mammals, but reptiles (Reptilia).

Geckos (scientific name: Gekkonidae) belong to the order Squamata in the class Reptilia and are a type of lizard. Their main characteristics are completely different from those of mammals. The following are the main differences between the two:


Differences between geckos and mammals

1. Different reproduction methods

  • Geckos are oviparous or ovoviviparous animals: Most geckos lay eggs, and a few species (such as the Madagascar leaf-tailed gecko) are ovoviviparous, that is, the eggs hatch in the mother's body and the young are born directly.

  • Mammals give birth to live young and feed their young through breast milk, which is a feature that reptiles do not have.

2. Different ways of regulating body temperature

  • Geckos are cold-blooded animals (cold-blooded animals): Their body temperature is affected by the environment, and they need to rely on the external temperature to regulate their own temperature, such as basking in the sun to warm up.

  • Mammals are warm-blooded animals (homeotherms): They can regulate their body temperature by themselves and maintain a stable body temperature, and can survive even in cold environments.

3. Different skin structure

  • Geckos have scales on their skin, and like snakes and lizards, they have a stratum corneum and shed their skin regularly.

  • Mammals have hair on their skin, which helps to keep warm and sense the external environment.

4. Different respiratory system

  • Geckos breathe with lungs, but they do not have a diaphragm, so their breathing efficiency is relatively low.

  • Mammals also breathe with lungs, but they have diaphragms, which can efficiently inhale and expel air and improve breathing efficiency.

5. Other notable features

  • Geckos can break off their tails to escape (self-cutting ability), but mammals do not have similar survival strategies.

  • Geckos have special microscopic structures on their toes, which can adhere to smooth walls, which is also an ability that mammals do not have.


Conclusion

Geckos are reptiles, not mammals. They belong to the order Squamata, which is closely related to lizards and snakes, while mammals belong to a completely different biological group. Geckos play an important role in the ecosystem due to their oviparous reproduction, cold-blooded physique, scaly skin and unique survival skills.


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