Throughout Earth's long history of biological evolution, lizards, as an exceptionally unique and diverse group within the reptile class, had always attracted the attention of countless biologists.
According to existing taxonomic research and different sources, statistics on the number of lizard species worldwide varied to some extent.
Under mainstream classification standards, Lacertilia in the narrow sense contained roughly 3,000 species. This figure was widely cited by many authoritative encyclopedias and popular science sources, with its basis clearly identified as taxonomic standards.
However, under a broader method of calculation that expanded the scope to include more branches under Squamata, such as geckos and monitor lizards, the number of known lizard species exceeded 4,000. Some reports even claimed that there were currently around 6,000 or 7,000 species.
This discrepancy mainly stemmed from differences in taxonomic levels. The 3,000 species usually referred only to Lacertilia in the narrow sense, while higher figures might include transitional groups such as Anguidae.
In addition, as scientific research continued to advance, new species were constantly being discovered and classifications revised. For instance, Lacertidae currently contained 27 genera and 230 to 277 species, while groups such as Varanidae also continued to yield records of new species.
In this age of highly advanced technology and biological research, Osborn Industries, a highly influential company in the biotechnology field, had once secretly launched an astounding plan.
Relying on its formidable research capabilities and resources, it had collected live lizard specimens from around the world—an astonishing 5,000 species in total.
These lizards came from every corner of the world, from vast tropical rainforests to scorching, arid deserts; from deep, mysterious ocean islands to lofty mountain peaks rarely visited by humans. Every species carried unique genetic information and represented a precious embodiment of Earth's biodiversity.
However, Professor Connors's research had not been smooth