What is a reptile?

Reptiles are ectothermic or heterothermic vertebrates (commonly referred to as cold-blooded), meaning they do not have an automatic internal body temperature control system. This means they depend on external warm sources, mainly the sun, to supply them with the energy to move and eat.

They breath using a pulmonary system. Some reptiles hatch from eggs, while others give live birth, but in either case the young are left to fend for themselves. Most are carnivorous, preying on small mammals, birds, insects and insect larvae. Some, such as iguanas, are herbivorous.

Reptiles have scaly skin which keeps their body from drying out. They also have a double loop circulatory system which gives fully oxygenated blood to the body.

Reptiles include:

• Tortoises, terrapins and turtles (also called chelonians)
• lizards, skinks and the tuatara
• snakes
• crocodilians (crocodiles and alligators)

frog

snake

lizard

turtle