House lizards, also known as the common house geckos, are fascinating creatures living alongside humans for centuries. These small reptiles adapt well to urban environments and often make their homes inside our houses. With their distinctive chirping sounds and quick movements, the house lizard has captured the imagination of many people around the world. Their ability to climb and walk on walls and ceilings with ease showcases their incredible dexterity and agility. They can scale vertical surfaces with ease due to their specialized toe pads that enable them to grip almost any surface using van der Waals forces, making them excellent climbers. With this unique adaptation, house lizards have earned a place in folklore and superstition, enabling them to move effortlessly in search of food and shelter.
Furthermore, the regenerative powers of house lizards are remarkable – they can shed their tails when threatened and then regenerate them over time—a defence mechanism against predators. This remarkable capability not only helps them escape from danger but also provides valuable insights into understanding tissue regeneration in vertebrates. Additionally, these creatures are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly into their surroundings with their mottled skin patterns and cryptic colouration. This remarkable feat not only helps them escape from predators but also serves as a defence mechanism during fights or territorial disputes.
Found in warm climates, house lizards play an important role in controlling insect populations within homes and buildings. Their diet mainly consists of pests such as cockroaches, mosquitoes and ants, making them valuable allies in keeping our living spaces free from unwanted bugs. Furthermore, they possess highly developed sensory organs that enable them to detect subtle movements and prey on insects with precision. Additionally, these creatures are equipped with remarkable night vision and superb hearing capabilities, making them formidable hunters in low-light conditions. As such, house lizards are harmless cohabitants and contribute significantly to maintaining a balanced ecosystem within human habitats. These reptiles are capable of producing distinctive chirping sounds during mating rituals or territorial disputes, adding an unexpected dimension to their presence in the home. Their nocturnal behaviour adds an air of mystery to these creatures, as they remain hidden during the day before emerging at night to hunt for insects. Their resilience and adaptability enable them to thrive in a variety of environments, making them a testament to nature's ingenuity. Additionally, these reptiles have served as symbols of good luck and prosperity in some cultures throughout history, reflecting the complex and enduring relationship between humans and these enigmatic creatures. Despite their humble appearance, house lizards have evolved a range of survival adaptations that make them both resilient and resourceful inhabitants of human environments.
Asian house gecko, Pacific house gecko, wall gecko, tiktiki, chipkali or moon lizard
Hemidactylus frenatus
3-6 inch
45-70 gm
1-15 years
Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America
The scientific name of the house lizard, also known as the common gecko, is Hemidactylus frenatus, which translates to a half-toed little jumper. H. frenatus belongs to the Gekkonidae family and is often found lurking in nooks and crannies of households across tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The genus name Hemidactylus comes from the Greek words hemi meaning half and dactylos meaning finger, referring to the small adhesive pads on their toes that allow them to climb smooth surfaces with ease. The species name frenatus means bridled or restrained, possibly due to the markings on their bodies. This small reptile, with its distinctive chirping sound and ability to effortlessly climb walls and ceilings, has captured the interest of scientists and enthusiasts alike.
Hemidactylus frenatus's scientific name reflects its unique characteristics and behavioural traits, shedding light on its evolutionary adaptations in response to urbanization. By delving into the biological nomenclature of these creatures, we gain a deeper appreciation for their place in the ecosystem and their role in maintaining a balanced environment within human habitats. Exploring the scientific name of house lizards opens a window into understanding their anatomy, genetic makeup, and ecological significance in our daily lives.
The house lizard, the common gecko, possesses some incredible facts and features that often go unnoticed.
The appearance and anatomy of the house lizard is a fascinating subject that often goes unnoticed in our daily lives. These tiny reptiles are known for their elongated bodies, long tails and distinctive scales. Their long slender bodies are adorned with distinct patterns of scaly skin which are typically light brown or grey with dark markings and sometimes even green or yellow, allowing them to camouflage and blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Additionally, their ability to change colour based on their surroundings adds another layer of intrigue to their appearance. They also have specialized lidless eyes with vertical pupils, small- agile limbs and toes that end in adhesive pads. What's particularly intriguing about house lizards is their remarkable ability to shed their tails when threatened by predators and regrow their lost tails over time—a process known as autotomy. This defence mechanism not only allows them to escape from danger but also confuses the predator as the detached tail continues to wriggle, providing an opportunity for the lizard to escape.
Furthermore, the intricate details in their anatomy play a crucial role in their survival. Their specialized toe pads are covered in microscopic structures called setae, which create a strong adhesive force through molecular attraction, allowing them to effortlessly scale vertical surfaces and ceilings with ease, earning them the nickname wall lizards. This remarkable adaptation also allows the house lizard to hunt for prey and navigate its environment in ways few other animals can replicate. The subtle webbing between their toes provides traction, enhancing their ability to cling to various textured surfaces seamlessly. Their sleek, streamlined bodies with long tails aid in balance and agility, allowing them to move swiftly and gracefully in their environment with remarkable ease, while their scaly skin provides flexibility, and protection and aids in thermoregulation. Their long, tapering tails also serve multiple purposes - from storing fat reserves for times of scarcity to acting as a tool for balance and communication during mating rituals. Their ability to shed their skin allows for continuous growth without constraint while maintaining optimal health. They have sticky tongues and sharp teeth which they use to capture their prey with precision and speed. Additionally, house lizards possess keen senses of sight, smell and acute hearing with thermal sensing capabilities, enabling them to hunt for prey in low-light conditions. The inner workings of their intricate digestive system enable them to consume various insects and pests, contributing to natural pest control within households.
Furthermore, the anatomical structure of house lizards allows them to squeeze into tiny crevices and navigate through narrow spaces with remarkable agility. This unique capability has enabled them to thrive in diverse environments around the world, making them an integral part of many ecosystems. The intricate design of their respiratory and circulatory systems reflects an evolutionary adaptation that has enabled these creatures to thrive in various climates around the world.
Despite being commonly overlooked creatures in our homes, house lizards possess an intriguing blend of physical adaptations that contribute to their survival and success in urban environments.
The habitat and distribution of house lizards are fascinating topics that shed light on these versatile creatures' adaptability. House lizard, also known as the common gecko, is a widespread reptile found in various habitats and environments across the world. They are commonly found in tropical to temperate climates, preferring warm and humid environments, with some species even being found in deserts and rainforests. House lizards are well known for their incredible climbing abilities due to specialized toe pads that allow them to grip various surfaces with ease. This unique adaptation enables them to take up residence in an array of environments including trees, caves, rocky areas as well as urban areas, rural settings and even inside human dwellings. Furthermore, their small size allows house lizards to hide in tiny cracks and crevices, contributing to their ability to inhabit a broad distribution range within their respective ecosystems. Their ability to thrive in diverse habitats has allowed them to establish a wide-ranging distribution.
The distribution of house lizards is varying species inhabiting different regions. Their distribution spans across tropical and subtropical regions including Asia, Africa and Australia. The ability of house lizards to live in diverse environments is attributed to their agile climbing skills and nocturnal behaviour, allowing them to hunt for insects and seek shelter during the day. While some may view them as pests, these lizards play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, making them valuable members of their ecosystems. Despite being tiny creatures with varying colouration depending on geographical location, their pervasive presence serves as an indicator of ecological health in many areas.
One notable aspect of the habitat and distribution of house lizards is their presence on islands and isolated landmasses. Despite geographical barriers, certain species have successfully colonized numerous islands through natural dispersal or human-mediated transport. This phenomenon has led researchers to study the evolutionary processes that contribute to the remarkable adaptability of these small reptiles.
Their broad distribution showcases not only their adaptability but also their resilience in coexisting with humans across a variety of settings. This highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the crucial role these reptiles play within their respective ecosystems while living alongside humans all over the world.
House lizards, also known as common house geckos, are a widespread and adaptable species found in many homes around the world. There are a diverse group of house lizards, with several common types or subspecies, each with their unique characteristics and habitats. While there are over 1,600 species of geckos, some most common types found in households include the Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus), the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus), The tropical house gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia), the Moorish wall gecko (Tarentola mauritanica) and the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko). These lizards are known for their ability to climb walls and ceilings due to their specialized toe pads that allow them to adhere to vertical surfaces.
The Asian house gecko is known for its small size, sticky toe pads and distinctive chirping sound at night and is commonly found in residential buildings across Asia. They typically have a yellowish-grey colouring with variable patterns resembling spots or stripes across their bodies. Their adaptability has allowed them to occupy diverse habitats such as tropical rainforests, rocky areas near water bodies, and human dwellings.
Conversely, the Mediterranean house gecko is typically found in warm and dry climates, often residing in urban areas where it can easily access food sources such as insects attracted to outdoor lights. These lizards are adaptable to a range of environments including urban areas, forests, grasslands, and even deserts. The Mediterranean house gecko features a pale body with dark spots arranged in bands along its back and a long slender tail with translucent skin. They can be distinguished by their wide distribution across Europe and Asia.
On the other hand, the tropical house gecko also known as the Afro-American house gecko or cosmopolitan house gecko is a species of house gecko native to sub-Saharan Africa. This species is also found in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. While the Moorish wall gecko prefers rocky habitats such as walls, cliffs, and ruins in Mediterranean regions.
Another notable type is the Tokay gecko, recognized for its striking blue-grey body with bright orange spots. This species is arboreal and often inhabits tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. Its loud territorial calls at night distinguish it as a vocal species with a unique presence in its environment.
Understanding the diverse types of house lizards and their specific habitats sheds light on the incredible adaptability and beauty of these creatures in both natural and man-made settings.
These different types of house lizards share similar traits including their ability to climb almost any surface using specialized toe pads that enable them to adhere to vertical or inverted surfaces. They also can shed their tail when threatened by predators, which acts as a distraction while the lizard escapes. This tiny creature can make distinct chirping sounds and can be identified by its light brown, grey body with irregular dark spots along its back and tail or even green to blend into its surroundings. Characterized by their distinctive flattened bodies and small size, typically ranging from 3 to 6 inches in length, house lizards have translucent skin and large eyes that make them appear charismatic and allow them to easily manoeuvre through confined spaces in search of insects and warmth. They are primarily nocturnal creatures, coming out at night to hunt for insects like mosquitoes, roaches, flies, bugs and cockroaches which are attracted by artificial lights at night outside homes while remaining hidden during the day. As for their habitats, house lizards are proficient climbers that can be found hidden behind furniture or clinging to walls both indoors and outdoors. They have successfully colonized various habitats worldwide, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, demonstrating incredible versatility in their ability to survive and reproduce. Despite being commonly overlooked, house lizards play a crucial role in controlling insect populations in human habitats while posing no threat or harm to humans themselves. Their slender bodies allow them to access narrow spaces where insects hide, making them indispensable pest controllers.
House lizards are a common sight in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Their habitats often include urban areas such as buildings or houses where they can find shelter and plenty of insects to feed on hence the name house lizard. House lizards prefer warm and humid environments, which is why they are commonly found in tropical regions across Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. Geckos especially live in countries like India, China and Sri Lanka. They can be found in a variety of habitats within human dwellings such as attics, basements, gardens, and even inside electrical appliances. While commonly associated with human dwellings, these resourceful creatures can also be found in natural settings such as caves, cliffsides, and tree hollows. Their ability to coexist alongside humans has led to widespread distribution and successful establishment in new territories across the globe.
The diet and prey of house lizards are often underestimated, but these seemingly unassuming reptiles play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological equilibrium by controlling insect populations and minimizing household pests. House lizards primarily feed on small insects such as cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, flies, termites, bugs and other pests that are abundant in human habitations. Their insatiable appetite for these unwanted intruders makes them valuable allies in pest control, effectively helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem within our living spaces. However, house lizards are not restricted to only insects; as opportunistic feeders, they have been observed feeding on small spiders, moths, caterpillars, snails and even other smaller lizards in some instances. Despite their mainly insectivorous diet, house lizards have been known to display opportunistic behaviour by consuming fruit or nectar if the opportunity arises. This flexibility points towards their adaptability in finding food sources.
Despite their tiny size, house lizards are skilled hunters who use stealth and patience to capture their prey. What's particularly intriguing is the swift agility with which they capture their prey, utilizing their sticky tongue and sharp teeth with precision and speed. With their keen senses, these agile hunters detect prey and their keen sense of sight enabling them to spot and track down prey in low-light conditions. Their adhesive toe pads enable them to effortlessly navigate vertical surfaces and ceilings in search of their next meal, making them both efficient predators of pests and unique occupants of our homes. This ability to access hard-to-reach areas allows them to target pests that would otherwise go unnoticed by humans, making them an invaluable asset in the ongoing battle against household pests.
Beyond their dietary habits, it's also intriguing to note how house lizards utilise their environment when hunting for prey. They are often found near light sources where insects congregate, taking advantage of this proximity to secure a meal. This strategic positioning not only demonstrates their resourcefulness but also serves as a reminder of the intricate web of interactions between species within human habitats.
The behaviour and lifestyle of house lizards are often misunderstood. Found in warm climates worldwide, these tiny creatures have adapted to human environments in interesting ways. House lizards, also known as geckos, spend their days hidden away in dark crevices and emerge at night to hunt for insects and small spiders. Their agile climbing abilities allow them to move effortlessly along walls and ceilings using their specialized toe pads, making them efficient hunters, as they can easily reach their prey in hard-to-reach places in the quiet of the night. They communicate through a series of chirping and clicking sounds which are often mistaken for bird calls or insects. These distinctive chirping sounds contribute to the ambience of warm summer nights in places where they are prevalent, adding a touch of wildness to urban environments. Additionally, these reptiles are supremely adept at camouflage, often blending into their surroundings thanks to their mottled skin patterns and quick reflexes. As a defence mechanism, they can regrow their tails if they happen to lose them in a predator encounter or accident. This remarkable adaptation helps them escape from potential threats and continue thriving in their environment. Despite their shy nature, some species of house lizards have developed a tolerance for human presence and can be found scavenging around artificial light sources in urban areas.
In terms of lifestyle, house lizards are primarily nocturnal creatures, preferring to hunt for insects under the cover of darkness, using their keen sense of sight and sound. Their agility and swift movements allow them to navigate effortlessly through the nooks and crannies of a home, making them effective pest controllers. Despite their elusive nature during the day, house lizards are quite sociable among their kind. While they are usually solitary creatures, they sometimes engage in territorial disputes, especially during mating season. Their unique chirp or clicking sounds not only help them establish territory but also facilitate courtship and mating rituals. Some studies suggest that they establish territories and use visual displays such as head movements and body postures to communicate with one another. In addition, their breeding habits reveal an intricate dance of courtship rituals and egg-laying that illustrate the depth of their innate instincts for survival. Additionally, house lizards exhibit remarkable adaptability, adjusting quickly to changes in environment and resource availability. Another interesting aspect of house lizard lifestyle is their adaptability to urban environments. Found in various parts of the world, including tropical regions, these resilient creatures have adapted well to living alongside humans in urban areas. Their ability to thrive in diverse environments has contributed to their widespread distribution across the globe and reflects their remarkable plasticity and resourcefulness as a species. Despite being frequently misunderstood or even feared by some people, these little reptiles play an important ecological role in maintaining insect populations in human habitats.
The reproduction, Babies and lifespan of house lizards are fascinating aspects of these often overlooked creatures. House lizards reproduce through a process called oviparous reproduction, where females lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. These reptiles reproduce through internal fertilization, with the male transferring his sperm to the female through a special organ called a hemipenis. Males attract females through a series of vocalizations and visual displays, often accompanied by physical combat with rival males. This process generally occurs once or twice a year. After successful mating, female house lizards typically lay a clutch of 2 eggs every few weeks. Interestingly, female house lizards can retain sperm for an extended period and use it to fertilize multiple clutches of eggs with just one mating episode without the need for repeated mating. After laying their eggs, house lizards exhibit minimal parental care, with the mother laying her eggs in a hidden, protected location and then leaving them to develop on their own. These eggs are usually laid in moist and warm environments, such as under rocks or in dark crevices. The exact number of eggs laid can vary based on factors such as the age and health of the female lizard. This frequent reproductive cycle allows for rapid population growth and is one reason why house lizards are commonly found in human dwellings.
The gestation period of house lizards can vary depending on factors like temperature and humidity but it generally lasts around 4-6 weeks before hatching, during which the female lizard keeps a watchful eye over her eggs, ensuring they remain at an optimal temperature for hatching. Once hatched, baby house lizards are fully independent and resemble miniature versions of their adult counterparts. These tiny replicas must fend for themselves without any parental care from the moment they emerge from their eggs; they begin hunting insects immediately to fulfil their voracious appetites and ensure survival. Despite this self-sufficiency, baby house lizards face numerous threats such as predators and environmental hazards during their early days of life. After survival, baby house lizards typically reach sexual maturity within a year or two after hatching.
Despite this lack of parental care, house lizards have a relatively long lifespan compared to other small reptiles, often living up to 1-15 years in the wild and even longer in captivity due to controlled environments and proper care. This longevity can be attributed to their adaptability and ability to thrive in various environments which enables them to pass on their genetic information through multiple breeding seasons, contributing to the ongoing population of these fascinating creatures. Interestingly, factors such as temperature, humidity levels, access to food sources and predation play significant roles in determining the overall lifespan of these resilient creatures.
House lizards may seem harmless, but they face a range of predators and threats in their daily lives. One of the primary threats to these agile reptiles is predation from larger animals such as cats, birds, rats, dogs, large spiders, other lizards and snakes. Their small size and habit of clinging to walls make them easy targets for these natural hunters. Domestic cats and dogs pose a significant threat to house lizards, preying on them when they venture into human dwellings. In the wild, house lizards face multiple predators such as snakes, birds of prey, rats, large spiders and larger reptiles. As a defence mechanism, they can shed their tail which can continue to wriggle after detachment, distracting predators while the lizard makes its escape.
In addition to natural predators, house lizards also face threats from human activities. The extensive use of pesticides and insecticides in households can pose a significant risk to these harmless creatures as they contain toxic chemicals that can harm or even kill them if ingested. Furthermore, habitat destruction due to urbanization and development also jeopardizes the survival of house lizards by limiting their access to suitable living spaces and food sources.
Another often overlooked threat to house lizards is competition with invasive species. As urban environments continue to expand, non-native species like the Mediterranean gecko compete for resources and habitat with their native counterparts. This increased competition puts additional pressure on house lizards and can significantly impact their population dynamics. Ultimately, we must recognize these diverse threats facing house lizards if we are to effectively protect and conserve this vital part of our ecosystem.
The population of house lizards, also known as geckos, has been a topic of fascination and concern for many homeowners. These agile and adaptable creatures have successfully made themselves at home in urban environments around the world. Despite being largely unnoticed by humans, their numbers continue to thrive due to their ability to reproduce rapidly and their efficient hunting skills when it comes to insects and pests. As a result, they play an important role in maintaining ecological balance within our living spaces.
One interesting aspect of the house lizard population is its adaptability to various environmental conditions. Whether it's a metropolitan high-rise or a rural farmhouse, these reptiles can be found making themselves comfortable in all kinds of settings. Additionally, recent studies have shown that the presence of lizards within households may be beneficial for human health by reducing the prevalence of disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes and flies. With this new perspective in mind, perhaps it's time for us to appreciate the overlooked contribution of these tiny inhabitants in our daily lives.
Furthermore, the population density of house lizards can be influenced by various environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and food availability. In some regions, the prevalence of these reptiles has sparked debates about their impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity. With their efficient insect control capabilities, some researchers suggest that they may contribute to pest management in residential areas. However, others argue that their predatory behaviour could disrupt native species and potentially lead to imbalances in local wildlife communities.
House lizards, often overlooked or even despised by some, actually hold a vital role in our ecosystem.
Thus, rather than being viewed as a nuisance, house lizards should be celebrated for their contribution to maintaining a balanced and harmonious ecosystem within our living spaces.
The classification of house lizards, scientifically known as Hemidactylus frenatus, has been a topic of debate among researchers due to their widespread distribution and diverse morphological characteristics. These reptiles belong to the family Gekkonidae and are further classified into several genera which encompass over 1,500 different species, each with its unique adaptations and characteristics. Traditionally classified within the family Gekkonidae, recent molecular studies have suggested that house lizards may belong to a separate family, called the Hemidactylidae. House lizards are characterized by their ability to cling to vertical surfaces and their nocturnal habits. From the iconic geckos with their distinctive toe pads to the agile anoles with their impressive colour-changing abilities, house lizards exhibit an array of specialized traits that have enabled them to thrive in diverse habitats. This reclassification challenges previous assumptions about their evolutionary history and raises questions about their relationships with other gecko species.
In terms of evolution, house lizards have demonstrated incredible adaptability over millions of years, with early ancestors adapting to life on land after branching off from marine reptiles. The remarkable diversity within the group reflects their successful adaptation to various environments, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. Their ability to thrive in urban environments and adapt to various ecological niches has likely contributed to their success as a species. Furthermore, the genetic research on house lizards has shed light on their evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationships with other reptile species. This complex interplay between classification and evolution continues to shape our understanding of these fascinating reptiles.
House lizards, often found in warm climates, have an intriguing relationship with humans that goes beyond mere cohabitation. Despite their small size and unassuming presence, these creatures play a pivotal role in controlling insect populations in and around homes. Their stealthy movements and ability to navigate tight spaces make them efficient hunters of pests like mosquitoes and cockroaches. In return for this valuable pest control service, many homeowners unknowingly develop a tolerance towards these reptiles, sometimes even considering them as beneficial roommates rather than unwanted intruders. Additionally, their presence serves as an indicator of a healthy environment since they thrive in areas with abundant insect populations. Their silent presence and ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings make them a curious addition to our domestic environment.
Despite their small size and unassuming nature, house lizards offer an intriguing opportunity for us to observe the natural world up close. Their agile movements and hunting prowess can be a source of both entertainment and education for those willing to look beyond initial discomfort. Moreover, the adaptability of house lizards is noteworthy; they can thrive indoors with minimal human intervention. This self-sufficiency has led some people to view them as symbols of resilience and adaptability in the face of changing environments. In some cultures, house lizards are considered a sign of good luck or prosperity and are even believed to bring protection to the home. However, others may be viewed as unwelcome guests due to their droppings or occasional appearances in living spaces. Additionally, the acceptance of house lizards as part of the household ecosystem challenges traditional notions of what constitutes a pet, encouraging a shift towards appreciating all forms of life within our living spaces. As such, recognizing and respecting the unique relationship between house lizards and humans may lead to a more harmonious coexistence between different species within our shared habitats.
The conservation status of the House Lizard, also known as the Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus), is a topic that often goes unnoticed despite the increasing threats to its survival. Although widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, this species faces numerous challenges due to habitat loss, environmental pollution, and urban development. Additionally, they are often victims of predation by domestic cats and birds of prey, further contributing to their dwindling populations. While many people perceive these small reptiles as common and abundant, their populations are declining in some areas due to human activities.
One pressing issue contributing to the decline of House Lizard populations is the widespread use of pesticides and insecticides in agricultural and urban settings. These chemicals not only directly harm individual lizards but also affect their food sources, disrupting ecosystems and causing population decreases. Additionally, deforestation and land clearing for human development are encroaching on the natural habitats of these lizards, reducing their available living spaces and resources as they rely on human structures for shelter and warmth.
The introduction of non-native species has also contributed to the declining population of house lizards. In some areas, aggressive invasive lizard species outcompete and even prey upon the native house lizards, exacerbating their already vulnerable status. This underlines the need for better regulation of the exotic pet trade and stricter measures to prevent accidental introductions of invasive species into ecosystems where native house lizards thrive. Taking these factors into account is crucial to ensuring that these small but significant members of our ecosystem are not lost forever.
These findings highlight the importance of raising awareness about the conservation status of House Lizards among both local communities and policymakers. By understanding the threats facing these creatures, we can work towards implementing protective measures such as habitat preservation, sustainable pest control practices, and community education programs aimed at fostering coexistence between humans and House Lizards. This proactive approach is crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this often-overlooked species in our changing world.
House lizards and salamanders are often mistaken for one another due to their similar appearance, but they have several key differences that set them apart.