Dragon Lizard and Pineapple Cactus

The Dragon Lizard is an omnivore that lives in the dessert biome. The desert ecosystem is also home to other reptiles like snakes, other lizards and tortoises. Insects, rodents and a few kinds of birds can also be found in the desert. The Dragon Lizard thrives in the hot, dry climate of the desert. It is here that the tough feet of the Dragon Lizard can withstand the hot sand and sharp rocks. There are a few fruit-bearing cacti in the desert as well. The Dragon Lizard is brown in color, which helps it blend in with the sand and the rocks it lives in; in the desert. This camouflage helps the Dragon Lizard hunt its prey as well as hide from predators. The Dragon Lizard will creep up on its prey, the insects and small rodents found in the desert, and use its long tongue and snapping jaws to catch what it hunts. Since the Dragon Lizard is an omnivore,it will also eat the Pineapple Cactus. This particular plant has shallow roots for collecting as much rain as it can and prickly spines instead of leaves to protect it from herbivores. Its thick, waxy stem is green which is necessary for photosynthesis and helps it retain water in the dry desert climate. By eating the Pineapple Cactus, the Dragon Lizard helps to spread the seeds to new locations.When the Dragon Lizard feels threatened or is trying to defend itself, it shoots a poisonous liquid at its attacker. This liquid burns the attacker and is how the lizard got its name. Many larger lizards, snakes and desert birds have learned their lesson as they try to prey on the Dragon Lizard.

Animal / Plant
Where does it live within the habitat? / What type of leaves does it have? *
What is its niche classification?
(herbivore, omnivore, carnivore, decomposer, etc) / How do the type of leaves help for survival? *
What does it eat? / What type of roots does it have?*
How does it hunt / get food? / Does it have any defense against herbivores?
What are its predators? / Does it have special pollination needs?
How does it defend /protect itself? / Does it grow in a special way to help it survive?
What special physical adaptations does it have for survival in its specific biome?(special feet, gills, fins, wings, tail, etc) / Does it change from season to season to help it survive?
* MUST be included. At least 2 of the remaining must be included.