Does a lizard's tail grow back?

It's never quite the same after that first one, is it? Researchers have found that the regenerated tail of a lizard is dramatically different from its original equipment. Some lizards, like the green anole lizard observed in the study, can lose their tails to escape capture by a predator. read more

The regenerated lizard tails. The green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis), when caught by a predator, can lose its tail and then grow it back. Researchers have discovered the genetic 'recipe' that explains how this happens. read more

When this happens, certain kinds of lizards can grow back their tails over a period of time. This special ability is known as “autotomy.” Usually the new tail isn’t quite the same as the old one, but it can still help the lizard with movement and balance, like the old tail. read more