Reptiles

What Makes a ReptileA cold-blooded, air-breathing animal that has a backbone. Reptiles have dry, scaly skin. They move by either creeping on short legs or crawling on their bellies. Most reproduce by laying eggs.?

There are four main groups of reptiles: turtles and tortoises; lizards and snakes; crocodiles and alligators; and the tuatara. Many reptiles spend most of their time on land, but some spend a great deal of time in the water. ReptileA cold-blooded, air-breathing animal that has a backbone. Reptiles have dry, scaly skin. They move by either creeping on short legs or crawling on their bellies. Most reproduce by laying eggs. speciesA group of individuals that have many of the same characteristics, and are different from all other animals in some important way. Hamsters and mice are two different species of rodent. can be found in all types of habitatWhere an animal or plant normally lives and grows. except polar ice and tundraIn arctic or subarctic regions, a flat or gently-sloping plain that features low-lying plants and bushes, but no trees. Underneath the topsoil, the ground is often frozen..

All reptiles:

• Are vertebrates (which means they have a backboneThe column of bones (spine) in the back of many animals. It supports the body. An animal with a backbone is called a vertebrate. or spineA stiff, sharp projection on an animal; another word for quill.)
• Are ectothermic. Also known as “cold-bloodedAn animal whose body temperature changes with the temperature of the air or water around it, as a turtle or fish.,” ectothermic animals cannot regulate their own body heat, so they depend on warmth from sunlight to become warm and active. If they get too hot, they have to find shade or a burrowNoun-A hole in the ground made by certain animals, like rabbits. Verb-To dig a hole in the ground. to help them cool down.
• Are covered with scales
• Have lungs for breathing