Kinematic analysis of drinking by the lacertid lizard, <i>Lacerta viridis</i> (Squamates, Scleroglossa)

Abstract

The kinematics of drinking of Lacerta viridis were analysed. A drinking bout is composed of four phases: approach, immersion, emersion and withdrawal. The tongue and gravity are central to moving water through successive compartments of the buccal cavity and into the oesophagus. Upon the basis of formifunction analysis of water intake and transport, a kinematic model of drinking in lizards is proposed.