Reptiles are ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals. They
cannot generate their own body heat and many bask in the sun to get warm.
Tough, dry scales cover their skin, preventing the loss of too much water, and
protecting the reptile from harm. Reptiles with legs have a sprawling gait
because their limbs are jointed to the side, not below as in birds or
mammals.
A rattlesnake bites its prey and injects poison through long fangs.
The fangs fold back against the roof of the mouth when they are not in use, and
drop down automatically as the mouth opens. Two heat-sensitive pits between the
eyes and nose help the rattlesnake to locate its prey.
The largest of the lizards, the Komodo dragon is found on only a few
islands in Indonesia. It uses its excellent sense of smell to find prey. Unlike
mammals, reptiles cannot chew food – the Komodo dragon tears off chunks
of flesh with its jagged teeth.
Reptiles have a tough skin, with scales made of keratin. They lay
soft-shelled eggs, usually on land. There are nearly 8,000 species.
(lizards,
snakes)
Features: snakes do not have eyelids,
most lizards do
(alligators, caiman,
crocodiles, gharials,)
Features: semi-aquatic, sharp
teeth
(tortoises, turtles,
terrapins)
Features: hard outer shell, cut food
with sharp jaws,
