Scientific Classification

The Texas Horned Lizard belongs to Kingdom Animalia because it is multicellular and heterotrophic, because it relies on other organisms for food and its cells are organized into tissues that perform specialized functions.

It belongs to Phylum Chordata because it has bilateral symmetry, a well developed coelom, a single, dorsal, hollow nerve cord, which has an enlarged anterior end known as a brain, it also has a tail that projects beyond the anus, a complete digestive system and a ventral heart with dorsal and ventral blood vessels and a closed blood system.

Class

Vertebrata

It belongs to Class Vertebrata because it has a bony endoskeleton, a well developed body cavity containing visceral systems, a perforated pharynx, and an overall general body plan consisting of a head, trunk, 2 pairs of appendages, and a post-anal tail.

Order

Reptilia

It belongs to the Order Reptilia because it is an amniote (its eggs are protected by an extra membrane called an amnion). Its eggs are also covered with a leathery calcium-based shell. It uses lungs for respiration. It also shares characteristics with having horny and epidermal scaly skin.

Suborder

Iguania

It belongs to the Suborder Iguania because of its laterally positioned eyes that have an immovable membrane, it also has spines that are on its back and along its sides, and the larger plate like scales on its head.

Family

Phrynosomatidae

It belongs to the Family Phrynosomatidae because of its pleurodont teeth, a reduction of a clavicular flange its also is in a monophyletic group known because of the absence of lacrimals and postfrontals. Another very distinct characteristic is its ability to squirt blood out of the orbital sinuses of its eyes at potential predators.

Genus

Phrynosoma

It belongs to the Genus Phrynosoma because of its rounded body and blunt snout, which give it a "toad-like" appearance. Other reasons are because its spines on its back and scales are from modified scales, and the horns on the head are true horns.

It belongs to the Species Phrynosoma cornutum because of its "toad-like" appearance, its post-anal tail, forefeet with five clawed toes, and eggs specialized for development on land because of their leathery covering. It also has horns on the back of its head that are true horns.