Terrestrial animal Terrestrial animal The term terrestrial is typically applied for species that live primarily on the ground, in contrast to arboreal species, which live primarily in trees. There are other less common terms that apply to specific groups of terrestrial animals: Terrestrial invasion is one of the most important events in the history of life. Terrestrial lineages evolved in several animal phyla, among which vertebrates, arthropods, and mollusks are representatives of more successful groups of terrestrial animals. Terrestrial animals do not form a unified clade; rather, they share only the fact that they live on land. The transition from an aquatic
Brilliant arboreal alligator lizard Brilliant arboreal alligator lizard The brilliant arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia gaiophantasma) is a species of lizard endemic to the mountains of east-central Guatemala, from the Sierra de las Minas east to the Chilascó region. It occurs at elevations of 1,600–2,650 m, and can be found in pine–oak and cloud forests of lower montane wet forests. Its extent of occurrence is estimated at only 750 km, and has been declared endangered. Threats to this species include habitat loss from agriculture, and the exportation of ornamental "Chamaedaphne calyculata" plants, conversion of habitats to pine plantations, and intentional fires. It can be found