Definition

Noun: * A taxonomic family of lizards: "Family Iguania" refers to a specific scientific grouping (family) within the reptile order Squamata. This family traditionally includes iguanas, chameleons, agamids, and related New World lizards, characterized by features like strong limbs, distinct necks, and often, the ability to change color.

Usage Notes

• Scientific Terminology: This term is used almost exclusively in scientific, zoological, or herpetological contexts. It is a formal taxonomic classification.
• Capitalization: In biological nomenclature, the family name is often capitalized ("Family Iguania" or "Iguania" when used formally) but may appear in lowercase in general text.
• Context: It is used when discussing reptile evolution, classification, anatomy, or biodiversity.

Examples

• The green iguana is a well-known member of Family Iguania.
• Family Iguania comprises lizards with pleurodont dentition.
• Researchers studied the evolutionary history of Family Iguania.

Advanced Usage

• Phylogenetic Context: In modern cladistics, "Iguania" is often treated as a suborder or infraorder rather than a family, highlighting its use in discussions of reptilian phylogeny.
  • Iguania is considered one of the major lineages within Squamata.

Variants and Related Words

• Iguanid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Iguanidae, which is a subgroup within Iguania. Often used more loosely to refer to iguanas and their relatives.
  • The desert iguana is an iguanid lizard.
• Iguanian (adjective/noun): Pertaining to the Iguania; a lizard of this group.
  • Iguanian morphology is quite diverse.

Synonyms

• Iguanids (in a broad, traditional sense)
• Iguanian lizards

Different Meanings

• This term has a single, specific meaning in biological taxonomy. It does not have common, non-scientific definitions.

Noun

1. New World lizards