Reptiles and Amphibians Ms Cichon Agricultural Education Rosholt High School
Amphibians
History Came from the lobe-finned fish
Characteristics Amphibians= larval part of their life in water and their adult lives partially or completely on land 4,000 species exist Have thin skin they can breathe through with the process of osmosis – Most skins are filled with fluid-secreting glands that produce a slimy mucus Purpose of moisture Prevents too much water from being absorbed into the body when the animal is in the water Defense Tongues vary considerably – None – Very long and sticky tips – Don’t have teeth
Amphibian examples Newts Salamanders Frogs Toads Caecilians
Housing Best is an aquarium 3 Specific Habitats – Aquatic habitat for tadpoles and completely aquatic species – Semi aquatic habitat for species that live partly in water and partly on land – Woodland habitat for species that live almost entirely on land Temperature maintained from degrees F Frogs and toads Keep light on them for a limited time
Feeding Insect eaters Salamanders prefer earthworms
Handling Toads and Frogs- Grasp around body When amphibians are transported they should be placed in a moist cloth bag to prevent excess moisture loss Some frogs and toads produce toxins- – wash your hands before to prevent harming them and wash your hands after you prevent harming you Salamanders- Run water over your hands before picking them up Do not grasp by tail (they release their tails)
Disease Frog – Red leg Bacteria found in standing water Salamanders and Newts – Fungus Infection Skin develops abrasions from handling or crawling on rocks
Reptiles
Characteristics Cold-blooded vertebrates 6,500 species
Hibernation Temperate zones Hibernate during winter Many go into hibernation for breeding – Temperature stimulates ovulation and production or sperm
Amphibian examples Turtles, Tortoises, and Terrapins Snakes, Python, Boas Iguanas and Lizards Chameleon
Housing 4 Types 1.Terrestrial habitat for reptiles that live on land 2.Semi aquatic habitat for reptiles that live on land or in trees and spend part of their time in the water 3.Aquatic habitat for reptiles that live primarily in water 4.Arboreal habitat for reptiles that live in trees
Feeding Turtles Eat every day Carnivorous or omnivorous Alfalfa, leady dark greens carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, radishes, strawberries, cantaloupes Snakes Carnivores Insects, baby mice, rats
Feeding Lizards Insects
Handling Turtle- pick up by shell Snakes- should not be handled if frightened (you or snake) – Grasp firmly behind the head and holding body – Allow to coil around hand Lizards- Never by tail – With thumb and forefinger behind head and other hand on belly
Disease Salmonella Digestible infection Pathogenic Amoebas Mouth Rot
Shedding Reptiles in good health shed several times during the year Normally in one piece