1.7 Varanus niloticus (a monitor lizard)
_1.JPG "Varanus")
Above: Skeleton of Varanus, seen from the left.
This is the skeleton of a varanid lizard from Africa. Varanids are highly derived lizards that may be closely related to the gigantic extinct marine mosasaurs of the Mesozoic, and modern snakes.
_2.JPG "Varanus")
Above: Front half of the skeleton of Varanus, seen from the left.
_3.JPG "Varanus skull lateral")
Above: Skull of Varanus, seen from the left.
_4.JPG "Varanus skull dorsal")
Above: Skeleton of Varanus, seen from the above.
Can you identify the eye sockets and nasal openings?
_5.JPG "Varanus arm")
Above: Spine and forelimb of Varanus, seen from above and left.
_6.JPG "Varanus leg")
Above: Hindlimb of Varanus, seen from the left.
Note the sprawling limb posture (the limbs extend out to the sides, rather than being held vertically beneath the body, as in ourselves).
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