Wildlife Wonders

Reptiles are super cool creatures! They’re cold-blooded animals with scaly skin. They lay eggs (like birds) and can live on land or in water. Reptiles have been around for over 300 million years, and they’ve come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Key Characteristics of Reptiles:

• Cold-blooded (Ectothermic): Reptiles rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.

• Scaly Skin: Their tough, keratinized scales help prevent water loss and protect against environmental hazards.

• Respiration: All reptiles breathe through lungs, even those adapted to aquatic habitats.

• Reproduction: Most reptiles lay eggs with leathery shells, although some species give birth to live young.

• Four-legged or Limbless Forms: While many reptiles, such as lizards and crocodiles, have four legs, others, like snakes, have evolved limbless bodies.

Major Groups of Reptiles:

1. Snakes (Serpentes) – Limbless reptiles known for their flexible bodies and venomous or constricting hunting techniques.

2. Lizards (Lacertilia) – A diverse group ranging from small geckos to large monitor lizards.

3. Crocodilians (Crocodylia) – Includes crocodiles, alligators, and gharials, which are powerful semi-aquatic predators.

4. Turtles and Tortoises (Testudines) – Recognized for their bony shells, which provide excellent protection.