Cordylus (Noun)
Meaning
Type genus of the Cordylidae; spiny lizards somewhat resembling tiny crocodiles.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Cordylus is the type genus of the family Cordylidae, a group of small to medium-sized spiny lizards that resemble tiny crocodiles.
- These remarkable Cordylus lizards possess strong legs, claws, and extremely rigid scales on their tails for effective defense.
- Most Cordylus species, especially the Cordylus giganteus, tend to hibernate underground to survive extremely harsh environments and seasonal conditions.
- When startled or under attack, many spiny-tailed species in the Cordylus genus freeze motionless in hopes that potential predators may confuse them for dead sticks.
- South Africa boasts over thirty known species within the genus Cordylus.