Bearded Dragon
This lizard inhabits the desert scrublands of Australia. It is called "bearded" because of
the dragon's ability to flare out the skin in the throat region when it is threatened or
territorial. Its body has a flattened appearance, which becomes even more pronounced if
the dragon is alarmed. Australian desert lizards often make their escape by rising on
their hind legs and running on two legs. They cannot run as fast as when using four feet,
but perhaps this behaviour aids in temperature control. They lift their bodies from the hot
ground to lose the heat they generate in running. This reduces the amount of heat they
take in from the ground and increases the cooling airflow over their bodies.
