Editing Lizard (section)

===Convergence===

Lizards have frequently [[convergent evolution|evolved convergently]], with multiple groups independently developing similar morphology and [[ecological niche]]s. [[Anolis ecomorphs|''Anolis'' ecomorphs]] have become a model system in evolutionary biology for studying convergence.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Losos |first1=Jonathan B. |title=The Evolution of Convergent Structure in Caribbean Anolis Communities |journal=Systematic Biology |date=1992 |volume=41 |issue=4 |pages=403–420 |doi=10.1093/sysbio/41.4.403}}</ref> Limbs have been lost or reduced independently [[legless lizard|over two dozen times across lizard evolution]], including in the [[Anniellidae]], [[Anguidae]], [[Cordylidae]], [[Dibamidae]], [[Gymnophthalmidae]], [[Pygopodidae]], and [[Scincidae]]; snakes are just the most famous and species-rich group of Squamata to have followed this path.<ref name=Brandley>{{cite journal |last1=Brandley |first1=Matthew C.|display-authors=etal|title=Rates And Patterns In The Evolution Of Snake-Like Body Form In Squamate Reptiles: Evidence For Repeated Re-Evolution Of Lost Digits And Long-Term Persistence Of Intermediate Body Forms |journal=Evolution |date=August 2008 |volume=62 |issue=8 |pages=2042–2064 |doi=10.1111/j.1558-5646.2008.00430.x|pmid=18507743 |s2cid=518045|doi-access=free }}</ref>