Norops is a clade of 169 species of polychrotid lizards within the genus Anolis. Evidence for the clade's recognition stems from the fact that all of its designated species possess sufficient differences in morphology, especially in the structure and design of tail vertebrae, to suggest a deep divergence from the rest of Anolis. The exact position of Norops and other distinct species groups within Anolis, either as clades or as genera, has been a subject of ongoing debate among anole scientists, however the description of Norops and other clades as genera is rapidly losing support within the scientific community; however, it is unclear as to whether this debate will ever be completely resolved.