Reptiles get their name from their method of movement, as they crawl. You can find them in various regions.
Below on the teketrek website, we present a detailed explanation of them, including their definition, types, and forms.
Definition of reptiles
- Reptiles are animals that move by crawling, hence their name. They belong to the vertebrate phylum in the animal classification.
- Their bodies are covered with horny scales, supported by bony elements. They have short paired limbs positioned on the sides of their bodies, allowing them to crawl.
- Reptiles can live in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. They breathe air directly through their lungs after hatching or birth.
- Currently, there are approximately 6000 known species of reptiles on Earth. Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is not constant but varies according to the surrounding environment.
- Most reptile species are active during the day, moving between sunny and shady areas. Conversely, many reptiles living in hot regions are nocturnal.
- It is worth mentioning that species inhabiting harsh climates may enter a period of hibernation during winter. But what are the characteristics of reptiles?
Characteristics of reptiles
The size of reptiles varies depending on their species:
- The length of the reticulated python can reach nine meters.
- Some turtles can weigh up to one ton.
- On the other hand, the length of some lizards does not exceed five centimeters.
- Moreover, most reptiles are long-lived, with some turtles reaching up to 100 years in captivity.
- Their skin is covered with scales, along with bony plates, which contribute to their protection.
- Most reptiles shed their skin more than once a year, with new scales forming beneath the old ones. This results in the shedding of the old skin, which is then discarded.
- Snakes shed their scales in one piece, while most lizards shed them in large longitudinal pieces. On the other hand, the old skin of crocodiles gradually wears away, revealing the new skin underneath.
- Reptiles breathe through their lungs and do not possess gills like amphibians.
Habitats of reptiles
Reptiles are distributed across various continents of the globe except for the frozen continent of Antarctica. They can also be found in all oceans except the polar oceans, but they are particularly abundant in tropical regions.
Some snakes live in forests, either in trees or even on the ground, while others burrow in tunnels.
Reptiles food
Reptiles eat other animals and plants, hunting and consuming whatever they can. Some lizards and turtles also eat plants. On the other hand, certain species feed on other animals or animal products; for example, turtles consume mollusks and crustaceans, while snakes may eat bird eggs. Reptiles can go without food for extended periods; for instance, a snake may not eat for several weeks after consuming a large meal.
Reptile shapes
- The first group of reptiles to emerge in the early half of Earth’s history was Cotylosauria, which then diversified in the second half of the era. Among the descendants are dinosaurs, of which only four orders remain: Rhynchocephalia (represented by tuataras), Crocodilia (crocodiles and alligators), Chelonia (turtles), and Squamata (which includes lizards and snakes).
-Reptiles can be classified into three basic forms based on their method of movement:
- Long-bodied with tails like snakes.
- Short-bodied and covered with shells like turtles.
Reproduction in reptiles
The genders of reptiles resemble each other in crocodiles and turtles, while they differ morphologically in snakes. Reptiles also differ in their reproductive behavior, as males and females only come together during mating season, as with snakes and lizards, while reproduction in crocodiles and alligators is characterized by violence, with males fiercely competing to reach the female, whereas turtles mate in the water.
- Reptiles lay their eggs on land or in burrows in the soil.
- They then incubate the eggs using the heat of the sun or the heat generated by decaying vegetation.
- Some lizards and snakes wrap their eggs with their bodies until they hatch.
- Some lizards, snakes, and viviparous snakes retain their eggs inside their bodies.
- The embryo may develop fully or partially within the oviducts in these cases, earning them the name “ovoviviparous.”
Benefits and harms of reptiles
- While many people fear reptiles, most of them are harmless and tend to avoid humans.
- However, some reptiles, such as the Nile crocodile and saltwater crocodile, have been known to attack or even kill humans.
- In some parts of the world, people consume reptiles and their eggs as food, and they also hunt them for their skins.
Frequently asked questions
Some of the common questions about reptiles include:
Where do reptiles live?
Reptiles can be found in various environments, both on land and in water. They inhabit different continents except for Antarctica, and they are widespread in various oceans except for polar oceans. However, they are particularly abundant in tropical regions.
What animals are considered reptiles?
Snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles.
What defines reptiles?
They are vertebrate animals that move by crawling.
Why are they called reptiles?
They are called reptiles because they move by crawling.
- In conclusion, reptiles are vertebrate animals that move by crawling, reproduce by laying eggs, inhabit various environments including land and water, and feed on a variety of organisms including animals, plants, and eggs.
