Like most lizards worldwide, the Australian Bynoe’s gecko (Heteronota bynoei) lays eggs – known as ovipary. By contrast, only one species of New Zealand lizard – the egg-laying skink (Oligosoma suteri) – lays eggs. All others give birth to live young – know as vivipary. Live birth is thought to be an adaptation to New Zealand’s cooling climate during the ice ages – most other viviparous lizards also occur in cooler regions of the world.
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National Archives of Australia
Reference: A1500, K23859
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