Similarities and differences: skinks and geckos
In this activity, students use an interactive or paper-based Venn diagram to illustrate the key similarities and differences between skinks and geckos.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
describe the key similarities and differences between skinks and geckos
understand how to use a Venn diagram to graphically organise information.
Skinks and geckos – Venn diagram
Skinks
Geckos
Both skinks and geckos
Unused items
- Narrow head
- Good sense of smell, hearing and sight
- Long lived
- Shed their skin
- Tight and shiny skin
- Eat insects
- Give birth to live young
- Broad neck and head
- Threatened by introduced mammals
- Rub skin off in patches
- Excellent climbers
- Loose and velvety skin
- Can regrow a lost tail
- Eat remains of dead animals
- Lick clear eyelids to keep them clean
- Blink to clean eyes
Skinks and geckos – Venn diagram
Use this interactive Venn diagram with your students to illustrate the key similarities and differences between skinks and geckos. Place each label where you think it belongs. This activity can be done individually, in pairs or as a whole class.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
instructions on what you need and what to do
discussion questions
ideas for extending your students
list of features
Venn diagram worksheet
Skink or gecko? 1
Skink or gecko? 2.
Related content
Find out more about these two lizard species in the article Native skinks and geckos .
Explore New Zealand’s unique reptiles and amphibians in this interactive.
Useful link
Visit the Department of Conservation website to download a factsheet about skinks and geckos.
