REPTILES

REPTILES… Are VERTEBRATES with lungs, scaly skin, and a special type of egg Reptiles are COLD BLOODED –their body temperature changes with changes in the environment

Scaly Skin… The scales on the skin form an unbroken waterproof covering that helps prevent a reptile from drying out.

Reptile eggs vs. amphibian eggs Reptile eggs: -Have leathery, protective shells dotted with pores -Can survive on land Amphibian eggs: -Are not leathery and do not have pores. -Can only survive in water

Reptile eggs… Are fertilized inside the mother’s body.

Reptiles don’t go through metamorphosis because… Reptile eggs develop and hatch on land. There is no need for young reptiles to go through an immature water-dwelling stage.

Turtles… Are reptiles whose bodies are enclosed in a shell. No teeth…they have beaks

Alligators and crocodiles… Are large meat-eating, lizard-like reptiles that spend much of their time in water. Have long snouts, powerful tails, and thick scaly skin.

Crocodiles… Have long, narrow snouts and show most of their teeth when their mouths are closed.

Alligators… Have broad, round snouts and show only a few teeth when their mouths are closed.

Snakes… Do not have legs, eyelids, or ears. Are cool, dry, and smooth to the touch Are deaf with poor eyesight Are covered with scales

How do the tongue, teeth, and body muscles of snakes help them obtain food? Tongue = flicks in/out and sends scent particles to the roof of the mouth Teeth = inject poison Body muscles = help move swallowed food toward the stomach

Lizards… Are reptiles that have slender bodies, moveable eyelids, long tails, four legs, and clawed toes. Are insect eaters.

Lizards and starfish are similar… Because both animals have the ability to regenerate missing body parts.

Lizards protect themselves by… Changing the color of their bodies to match their surroundings (like the chameleon). Other lizards will shed their tail (like the gecko) Some lizards have poison/bacteria in their mouths (like the komodo dragon)

Why is it necessary for animals with tough, waterproof shells on their eggs to have internal fertilization? - Because sperm cannot enter to fertilize the egg once the shell is formed.