GekkotaEdit
Gekkota is a major clade of lizards within the order Squamata that includes the true geckos and their closest living relatives. Members of this group are found across tropical and subtropical regions around the world, from deserts to rainforests, and from islands to mainland continents. Geckos are often small to medium-sized, with a remarkable diversity of forms and habits. A defining feature for many gekkotans is the presence of adhesive toe pads, formed by microscopic hairs called setae, which enable climbing on smooth vertical surfaces and even upside-down movement on glass. Many gekkotans are nocturnal, and a number of species are vocal, producing chirps and barks that aid in social communication. The clade includes a broad spectrum of ecological specializations, from ground-dwelling ground-dwellers to arboreal climbers and rock-dwellers, illustrating the adaptive versatility of this lineage. Squamata geckos
Gekkota encompasses several lineages and families with distinct evolutionary histories. The most familiar modern members are the various families commonly referred to as geckos, including the true geckos in Gekkonidae and the eyelid geckos in Eublepharidae. Other lineages grouped within the clade are represented by families such as Diplodactylidae, Phyllodactylidae, Sphaerodactylidae, and Pygopodidae (the latter including limb-reduced forms). The exact relationships among these lineages have been the subject of ongoing molecular and morphological research, and taxonomic classifications have evolved as new data have become available. This ongoing work helps clarify when and how gekkotans diversified in relation to other lizard groups within Squamata and the broader reptile family tree. Gekkonidae Diplodactylidae Phyllodactylidae Sphaerodactylidae Pygopodidae
Morphology and physiology
Geckos of Gekkota exhibit a suite of distinctive adaptations tied to their ecological roles. The specialized toe pads, which can adhere to a wide range of surfaces, are a hallmark of many gekkotans and are achieved through dense arrays of microscopic setae that exploit van der Waals forces. Not all gekkotans have adhesive pads, but those that do often show remarkable grasping abilities that enable efficient navigation of vertical substrates, including glass windows and tree bark. In addition to their adhesive capabilities, many gekkotans have large, lidless eyes (or eyes with reduced eyelids) and enhanced night vision, consistent with nocturnal or crepuscular activity. Color patterns and skin textures vary widely, providing camouflage in diverse habitats. The ecological plasticity of Gekkota is complemented by a range of reproductive strategies, from oviparity with varying clutch sizes to, in fewer cases, viviparity or reduced parental care in some lineages. setae toe pads
Distribution and habitat
Gekkota species occupy a broad geographic range, with a strong presence in the tropics and subtropics. They are especially diverse in the Indo-Pacific region, including many island systems where isolation has promoted speciation. Habitats range from arid deserts to humid forests, rocky outcrops, and human-modified landscapes. Island endemism is notable in several gekkonid groups, where ecological opportunity has driven diversification but where small ranges also increase vulnerability to habitat change and introduced predators. Biogeographic patterns within Gekkota reflect historical climatic shifts, plate tectonics, and ecological opportunity that shaped their distribution over millions of years. Indo-Pacific Desert forest islands
Ecology and behavior
Diet and foraging strategies among gekkotans are diverse, but many species feed primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. Some larger gecko species will take modest vertebrate prey or scavenged material. Locomotion often combines careful stealth with rapid bursts of movement, and adhesion-enabled locomotion allows access to vertical substrates and ceilings. Communication frequently includes vocalizations, tail movements, and displays of body posture. Tail autonomy is common in many species: the tail can be shed to distract predators and later regenerated, though regrown tails may differ in size or coloration. Reproductive modes vary; many species lay eggs in sheltered microhabitats, while others exhibit more complex breeding behaviors tied to seasonal cycles and environmental conditions. gecko Squamata conservation biology
Evolutionary history and taxonomy
The gekkotans represent a long-standing lineage within Squamata, with fossil evidence indicating that their ancestors diverged from other lizards in deep geological time. The early diversification of Gekkota is inferred from the fossil record and molecular studies, though precise branching orders among extant families remain debated. Advances in DNA sequencing and comparative morphology have led to revisions of relationships among families such as Gekkonidae, Diplodactylidae, Phyllodactylidae, Sphaerodactylidae, and Pygopodidae, illustrating how modern phylogenetics continues to refine our understanding of gekkotoan evolution. This ongoing work helps researchers reconstruct ancestral traits, such as toe pad function and nocturnality, and explains how gekkotans came to inhabit such a wide array of environments. fossil record molecular phylogenetics Gekkonidae Diplodactylidae Phyllodactylidae Sphaerodactylidae Pygopodidae
Conservation and human interactions
Many gekkotan species face threats from habitat destruction, climate change, and the introduction of non-native predators, particularly on islands where insularity magnifies vulnerability. Some species are listed under conservation frameworks such as CITES and national wildlife protection regimes, reflecting concerns about population declines and habitat fragmentation. At the same time, gekkotans are popular in the pet trade and agricultural settings, which has prompted discussions about sustainable collection, captive breeding, and ethical considerations. Conservation biology emphasizes habitat restoration, control of invasive species, and population monitoring as keys to safeguarding diverse gekkotan lineages for future study and ecological function. CITES habitat restoration invasive species conservation biology
See also