Mojave fringe-toed lizard (Uma scoparia), Mojave National Preserve, 2014.

Fringe-toed lizards are adapted for life in sandy deserts. Prominent elongated scales on their hind toes form a fringe around the toes, allowing the lizards to obtain speed and traction as well as helping the lizard stand on loose, sandy dunes without sinking. They have other interesting adaptations, including an upper jaw that overlaps the lower jaw and nostrils that can be closed at will. Flaps also close against ear openings when the lizard moves through sand and they even have interlocking upper and lower eyelids. These adaptations prevent intrusion by sand particles into the ears, eyes, nose and mouth.