learn about reptiles

Reptiles are air-breathing vertebrates covered in special skin made up of scales, bony plates, or a combination of both. They include crocodiles, snakes, lizards, turtles, and tor- toises.

Scales protect their bodies. Scales can be hard or soft, large or small. Some creatures that belong to the reptile group of animals are snakes, alligators, crocodiles, tortoises, lizards, etc.

Reptiles are born on land and are born with strong instincts, so they are on their own at birth.  Just think, no parents to nag them about cleaning their rooms!

All regularly shed the outer layer of their skin. Their metabolism depends on the temperature of their environment. Unlike birds and mammals, reptiles do not maintain a constant internal body temperature.

Without fur or feathers for insulation, they cannot stay warm on a cold day, and without sweat glands or the ability to pant, they cannot cool off on a hot one. Instead, they move into the sun or into the shade as needed.

During cooler parts of the year they become inactive. Because of their slow metabolism and heat-seeking behavior, reptiles are cold-blooded.