Some pecularities of lizard dental systems.

On the basis of complex data (studies of morphology and teeth replacement in vivo, dissections of stomachs, observations of feeding behavior with recordings on cine-film) particularities of the dental systems are established for 65 lizard species from 9 families. The obtained data allows us to apply a universal approach to this system in connection with taxonomy, problems concerning variability of teeth, feeding mechanisms and ecology of lizards. Among the components of the jaw apparatus the dental system of these animals demonstrates the highest degree of plasticity and diversity. Its features display interrelations of compensatory nature, and adaptations to similar kinds of food can be achieved on the basis of different specializations of teeth. Pecularities of taxonomic significance are outlined for some of the species.