Exploring the world of reptiles reveals their classification into orders like Squamata, Testudines, Crocodylia, and Rhynchocephalia. These creatures have adapted to various environments with features like dry, scaly skin and amniotic eggs, distinguishing them from amphibians. Fossorial reptiles show remarkable adaptations for burrowing lifestyles. The diversity of reptiles underscores their evolutionary success and the complexity of vertebrate life.
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Reptiles are distinguished by their dry, scaly skin, which varies in form across species
Most reptiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature
Reptiles are predominantly quadrupeds, with four limbs for movement, though some have lost their limbs through evolution
Most reptiles reproduce sexually, with the majority laying shelled eggs
Some reptile species give birth to live young through viviparity or ovoviviparity
Reptiles are classified into four traditional orders, with ongoing debate about the inclusion of birds due to their distinct evolutionary path and physiological differences
Squamata is the most diverse order of reptiles, with over 10,000 species
Testudines are unique for their bony or cartilaginous shells
Crocodylia are known for their semi-aquatic lifestyles and predatory nature
Amphibians have a two-stage life cycle, with an aquatic larval stage and a terrestrial adult stage
Amphibians have moist, permeable skin for cutaneous respiration, while reptiles have scaly, impermeable skin and breathe exclusively through lungs
Reptiles lay amniotic eggs with membranes for embryonic development on land, a feature absent in amphibians
00
The class of vertebrates known as ______ has been present on Earth for over ______ years.
Reptilia
300 million
01
While most reptiles are ______, relying on external heat sources, birds, which are part of the reptilian family, are ______ and regulate their body temperature internally.
ectothermic
endothermic
02
Characteristics of Squamata
Largest reptile order, over 10,000 species, includes lizards and snakes.
