What are reptiles?
Reptiles are a group of tetrapods, which have a cold-blooded (ectothermic) metabolism. There are four orders: Testudines (Turtles), Crocodilia (Crocodilians), Squamata (Lizards and Snakes), and Rhynchocephalia (the Tuatara).
Below contains more "specifics" regarding each order. Pictures are provided.
Reptiles are a group of tetrapods, which have a cold-blooded (ectothermic) metabolism. There are four orders: Testudines (Turtles), Crocodilia (Crocodilians), Squamata (Lizards and Snakes), and Rhynchocephalia (the Tuatara).
Below contains more "specifics" regarding each order. Pictures are provided.
Any additional notes will be right below the information boxes.
Lizards Squamata Order
Lizards are part of the Squamata Order, typically being quadrupedal. Lizards are very territorial and they signal with bright colors to attract mates. They are mainly carnivorous. Lizards commonly use venom, camouflage, reflex breeding, and the ability to drop their tails to deter predators.
(A bearded dragon.)
Lizards are part of the Squamata Order, typically being quadrupedal. Lizards are very territorial and they signal with bright colors to attract mates. They are mainly carnivorous. Lizards commonly use venom, camouflage, reflex breeding, and the ability to drop their tails to deter predators.
(A bearded dragon.)
Snakes Squamata Order
Snakes are part of the Squamata Order (Suborder: Serpentes); they are limbless, carnivorous, and ectothermic, being covered in overlapping scales. Despite assumptions made about snakes, most are non-venomous. Some use venom to retrieve prey, and the non-venomous use constriction.
(An Asian vine snake.)
Snakes are part of the Squamata Order (Suborder: Serpentes); they are limbless, carnivorous, and ectothermic, being covered in overlapping scales. Despite assumptions made about snakes, most are non-venomous. Some use venom to retrieve prey, and the non-venomous use constriction.
(An Asian vine snake.)
Turtles Testudine Order
Turtles are part of the Testudine Order. They are omnivores, and they are characterized by their shells that exist to protect them. These shells are typically made out of bone. Some turtles live on land, some underwater, but they all breathe air. Tortoises are also included in this group.
(A galapagos tortoise.)
Turtles are part of the Testudine Order. They are omnivores, and they are characterized by their shells that exist to protect them. These shells are typically made out of bone. Some turtles live on land, some underwater, but they all breathe air. Tortoises are also included in this group.
(A galapagos tortoise.)
Crocodilians Crocodilia Order
Crocodilians, usually known through the common "Alligators" or "Crocodiles," are part of the Crocodilia Order. They are large, predatory, and semiaquatic. They have flattened snouts and compressed tails, vaguely resembling lizards. They are carnivores, and are territorial.
(A saltwater crocodile.)
Crocodilians, usually known through the common "Alligators" or "Crocodiles," are part of the Crocodilia Order. They are large, predatory, and semiaquatic. They have flattened snouts and compressed tails, vaguely resembling lizards. They are carnivores, and are territorial.
(A saltwater crocodile.)
Tuatara Rhynchosephalia Order
The tuatara is special, being the sole species of the Rhynchosephalia Order (Due to being the only known / surviving one). They are only found in New Zealand, with their appearance being greenish brown and gray, with spiny crests along their backs. While they are similar to lizards, parts of the tuatara's skull structure vastly differs from them.
(A tuatara.)
The tuatara is special, being the sole species of the Rhynchosephalia Order (Due to being the only known / surviving one). They are only found in New Zealand, with their appearance being greenish brown and gray, with spiny crests along their backs. While they are similar to lizards, parts of the tuatara's skull structure vastly differs from them.
(A tuatara.)
Amphisbaenia* Squamata Order
Amphisbaenia, (am-phiss-bee-nee-ah) or the Worm Lizard group, is a clade of the Squamata Order, being a mix of both snakes and lizards (which are basically legless lizards). Most have pink bodies, with scales arranged in rings, while being very visually similar to earthworms. They have a special skull shape, resulting from convergent evolution.
(A Mexican mole lizard.)
Amphisbaenia, (am-phiss-bee-nee-ah) or the Worm Lizard group, is a clade of the Squamata Order, being a mix of both snakes and lizards (which are basically legless lizards). Most have pink bodies, with scales arranged in rings, while being very visually similar to earthworms. They have a special skull shape, resulting from convergent evolution.
(A Mexican mole lizard.)
* These reptiles are not widely known, and are not typically grouped with the other five reptile groups. NOT ALL LEGLESS LIZARDS ARE IN THE AMPHISBAENIA CLADE. To diffrientiate them from snakes, remember that most (but not all) legless lizards have eyelids, external ear openings, a lack of broad belly scales, and a notched tongue instead of a forked one.