Reptiles, Amphibia, Fishes, Lower Chordata, London, Methuen, 1912, Amphibians, Fishes, Reptiles, Lizard, The top section features the New Zealand tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), noted as the sole survivor of the most primitive and ancient group of reptilian species often referred to as bird-like reptiles. Below, a girdle-tailed lizard (Cordylus giganteus) from South Africa is showcased, intended to illustrate the apparent similarities between lizards and tuataras. Both creatures exhibit distinctive physical characteristics that highlight their evolutionary traits.