Reptiles -- Animals
Evolutionary Milestones
Reptiles are the first animals to adapt to land.
Habitat
Reptiles live on every continent except Antarctica. Most do no need to live near water.
Anatomical/Structural Features
Reptiles have dry, scaly skin and claws. They also have lungs and a well-developed nervous and sensory system. They can use sense organs to detect prey or identify chemicals. Most have a three-chambered heart, but some like crocodilians have four-chambered hearts. They are ectotherms, which means they are cold blooded.
Symmetry
Reptiles have bilateral symmetry.
How They Acquire Nutrients
Reptiles are heterotrophs, and most are herbivores while some are carnivores.
What They Eat
Reptiles can eat other reptiles, eggs, mammals, insects, algae, flowers, and jellyfish.
What Eats Them
Larger reptiles, birds, mammals, and large spiders can eat reptiles.
Mobility
Reptiles have legs which they use for movement.
Reproduction
Reptiles reproduce sexually by internal fertilization. They lays amniotic eggs (provides nourishment and protection) on land.
Development
Reptile lay their eggs on land. When they hatch, they look like small adults.
Examples
Some examples of reptiles are geckos, chameleons, iguanas, crocodiles, alligators, and snakes.
Reptiles are the first animals to adapt to land.
Habitat
Reptiles live on every continent except Antarctica. Most do no need to live near water.
Anatomical/Structural Features
Reptiles have dry, scaly skin and claws. They also have lungs and a well-developed nervous and sensory system. They can use sense organs to detect prey or identify chemicals. Most have a three-chambered heart, but some like crocodilians have four-chambered hearts. They are ectotherms, which means they are cold blooded.
Symmetry
Reptiles have bilateral symmetry.
How They Acquire Nutrients
Reptiles are heterotrophs, and most are herbivores while some are carnivores.
What They Eat
Reptiles can eat other reptiles, eggs, mammals, insects, algae, flowers, and jellyfish.
What Eats Them
Larger reptiles, birds, mammals, and large spiders can eat reptiles.
Mobility
Reptiles have legs which they use for movement.
Reproduction
Reptiles reproduce sexually by internal fertilization. They lays amniotic eggs (provides nourishment and protection) on land.
Development
Reptile lay their eggs on land. When they hatch, they look like small adults.
Examples
Some examples of reptiles are geckos, chameleons, iguanas, crocodiles, alligators, and snakes.