**Egg Laying Animal: Lizard**

Lizards are a type of reptile and they belong to the class Reptilia. Reptiles are known for their ability to lay eggs, and lizards are no exception. Here's an explanation of why lizards are considered egg-laying animals:

**1. Classification of Lizards:**
Lizards are classified under the order Squamata, which includes other reptiles like snakes. They are cold-blooded animals with scaly skin and a long tail. Lizards are found in various habitats around the world, except in extremely cold regions.

**2. Reproduction in Lizards:**
Lizards reproduce sexually, which means they require a male and female to mate and produce offspring. Unlike mammals, lizards do not give birth to live young. Instead, they lay eggs.

**3. Oviparous Reproduction:**
Lizards are oviparous animals, which means they lay eggs. The female lizard produces eggs within her body, and then she lays them in a suitable location for incubation. The eggs are usually laid in burrows or hidden areas to protect them from predators and environmental conditions.

**4. Characteristics of Lizard Eggs:**
Lizard eggs have a soft, leathery shell, unlike the hard-shelled eggs of birds. The shell is flexible and allows gases and moisture to pass through. The eggs are usually oblong or oval in shape, and their size varies depending on the species of lizard.

**5. Incubation Period:**
After laying the eggs, the female lizard does not provide any further care or incubation. The eggs are left on their own to develop and hatch. The incubation period varies among different lizard species and can range from a few weeks to several months.

**6. Hatching and Independent Offspring:**
When the eggs hatch, baby lizards, known as hatchlings, emerge from the shells. They are independent from the moment they hatch and must fend for themselves. Hatchlings resemble miniature versions of adult lizards and undergo further growth and development as they mature.

In conclusion, lizards are egg-laying animals. They reproduce by laying eggs, which hatch into independent offspring. This mode of reproduction is characteristic of reptiles, including lizards, and is an adaptation that allows them to successfully survive and thrive in their environments.