A type of lizard found in Africa, Asia, and Australia, characterized by a large head, strong legs, and the ability to change color and move quickly on the ground or in trees.
From Portuguese 'agama' (from a West African language origin). The word entered English through colonial contact with regions where these lizards are common.
Agamas are incredible lizards that use their bright colors for communication and intimidation — males will bob their heads and puff out their throats to establish territory, making them like tiny dragons performing aggressive displays! Some species can literally drop their tails when caught, leaving the tail thrashing to distract predators.
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