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Glite Dictionary
Uma notata

Uma notata

9.9
A lizard that lives in deserts in the United States and Mexico and has long pointed scales on its toes
  • proper noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Uma notata
  • Unlike other lizards, Uma notata has long pointed scales that help it move across loose sand.

Examples

  • The Uma notata thrives in the sandy deserts of Southern California.

  • The Uma notata, commonly known as the desert lizard, can often be seen basking in the sun on hot sand.

  • Researchers studied the adaptation mechanisms of Uma notata to survive in arid environments.

  • The Uma notata thrives in arid environments.

  • Did you know that the Uma notata has unique adaptations?

  • Found primarily in the Sonoran Desert, the Uma notata is known for its remarkable speed and agility.

  • In addition to its long pointed scales, the Uma notata exhibits fascinating behaviors to evade predators.

Synonyms

fringe-toed lizard
vsUma notata
  • Specialized
8.9

A small desert lizard with long pointed scales on its toes that help it run on sand

is framed as a named species rather than a general or common lizard

Surface Forms

Uma notata main

Morphology

Uma + notata

This is a Latin binomial (taxonomic) name rather than an English compositional phrase: one constituent ('notata') is not an English word and the phrase does not follow ordinary English semantic composition. Even if a learner knew 'Uma' as a lizard genus, they would not be able to derive the specific species meaning or its diagnostic traits from the parts, so the overall sense is not predictable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Uma notata may come from a simple description by early scientists: notata means 'marked' in Latin, so it likely refers to the lizard's clear marks or special long pointed scales. That's why the name fits this desert lizard and helps you remember its look.