Tegu is the common name for a number of lizard species. The only one I’ve been lucky enough to see in the wild is the Argentine black and white tegu, which I saw multiple times in Brazil during this past winter break. It’s the largest tegu species, and is native to Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, and of course, Argentina. It looks like a monster, which I say respectfully, though incorrectly.
They resemble the Gila monsters we have in the southwest, and the monitor lizards native to Asia, Africa and Oceania, but they’re not closely related to either. Their similarities to both are due to convergent evolution. Convergent evolution means species have evolved similar traits independently because they live in similar environments and occupy similar ecological niches, not because they are closely related.
Karen B. London, Ph.D. is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and an author of seven books about animals, including Treat Everyone Like a Dog: How a Dog Trainer’s World View Can Improve Your Life.
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Jun 15 â€� 3430 N. Fourth St., 3430 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. 928-526-9578. 10-11 a.m., If you're looking for a small church with a supportive community, you've found it at… Read moreFlagstaff Religion News for June 14, 2025
Having crowned its Majors and AAA city champions as both tournaments concluded on Monday, June 2, the Flagstaff Little League announced its four all-star teams for the upcoming District 1 and … Read moreFlagstaff Little League announces 2025 all-star teams
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