What is the Difference Between Toad and Lizard?

Toads and lizards are both cold-blooded animals, but they belong to different classes of amphibians and reptiles and have distinct differences in their physical attributes and behaviors. Some key differences between toads and lizards include:

1. Class: Toads are amphibians, while lizards are reptiles.
2. Skin: Toads have moist and sometimes sticky skin, whereas lizards have dry and scaly skin.
3. Movement: Toads have short legs and walk or hop, while lizards have a slithery movement.
4. Habitat: Toads are typically found in gardens, parks, or other places with grass and water, while lizards can be found in various environments, including homes, crawling up walls.
5. Behavior: Toads are primarily nocturnal, while lizards are active during the day.

The confusion between toads and lizards is often caused by a species called the horned lizard, which resembles a toad in appearance due to its short snout and spines on its back that are modified scales. However, it is important to note that there is no connection between horned lizards and toads or frogs.

Comparative Table: Toad vs Lizard

Toads and lizards are both reptiles, but they have distinct physical characteristics and belong to different orders. Here is a table comparing their differences:

Toads are amphibians, requiring a moist environment to survive, and often living near bodies of water. On the other hand, lizards are reptiles that have dry and scaly skin, which makes their skin water-proof. While both animals are cold-blooded (ectothermic), they have different behaviors and habitats.