Why do lizards "l**k" the ground?

Question

Whenever I have my water dragon out, he will appear to l**k whatever or whoever he is on. It's just like a dart of the tongue.

Is this smell, like snakes? Or are they marking territory or something?

Answer 1

On the roof of his mouth the dragon has the vomeronasal organ, also known as Jacobson's organ, which allows him to analyze scents. When he flicks out his tongue, he collects particles on it which he brings to the organ, like a snake does. Thus he investigates the environment.

Answer 2

wired cuz mine does that too i thought he was the only one

Answer 3

they're using their tongue to take in chemicals and scents just like snakes do.