ReptilesReptiles

Characteristics of ReptilesCharacteristics of Reptiles

• Cold-Blooded

• Regulate their body temperature using the environment

• Can survive both on land and in water

• Most lay eggs

• Most have scales, none have hair or fur

• All lack external ears

Four main groups of reptilesFour main groups of reptiles

• Crocodiles

• Lizards

• Turtles

• Snakes

CrocodilesCrocodiles

• Includes Saltwater and Freshwater Crocodiles, Alligators and Caymans.

• Most often found in sub-tropical environments in swamps and rivers.

• Can regulate their body temperature through controlling their blood flow

• Can hold their breath and stay underwater for up to an hour.

• One of the few reptiles that care for their young after they hatch.

LizardsLizards

• There are about 5,600 species of lizards on Earth.

• Some species can drop their tails to escape predators.

• They are found in every country in the world except for Antarctica.

• Lizards don’t stop growing throughout their lives, and shed their skin when they outgrow it.

• There are many different lizard species including Frill-necked lizards, Blue-tongues, Geckos, Water Dragons, Skinks, Chameleons and Monitors.

TurtlesTurtles

• There are over 300 different species of turtles including Leatherback Turtles (the largest species), Green Turtles and Loggerhead Turtles.

• There are around 200 species of tortoises including the Galapagos Tortoise, Leopard Tortoise and Yellow-Footed Tortoise.

• Turtles and tortises have a hard, protective shell and can they can retract their heads inside when threatened.

• Turtles shells are made up of 60 bones which have fused together.

SnakesSnakes

• There are more than 3000 species of snakes, with the largest being the Reticulated Python which can grow up to 14 metres long.

• Snakes shed their skin several times a year as they grow.

• Snakes are carnivorous (meat eaters) and eat insects, rodents, birds and other reptiles.

• Snakes have very strong bodies which allow them to move along the ground, climb up trees and swim without the need for legs.

ReferencesReferences• Australia Zoo. (2013). Reptiles: Check out our amazing reptiles! Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from

http://www.australiazoo.com.au/our-animals/amazing-animals/reptiles/

• BBC Worldwide. (February 20th, 2009). Curling Toes and Technological Advances- Space Age Reptiles- BBC Animals. Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from http://youtu.be/NWH624jPW0w

• BBC Worldwide. (16th January, 2009). How Snakes Move and ‘Run’- Serpents- BBC Animals. Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from http://youtu.be/zEto1-ZTbd4

• Bioexpedition. (2013). Facts about lizards. Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from http://bioexpedition.com/lizards/facts-about-lizards/

• DiveAroundTube. (18th August, 2010). Sea Turtles Micro Documentary. Retrieved 12th April. 2013 from http://youtu.be/aBjIQ5szcmI

• Ducksters. Technological Solutions, Inc. (2013). Alligators and Crocodiles for Kids: Learn about these giant reptiles. Retrieved 12th April 2013 from http://www.ducksters.com/animals/alligatorcrocodile.php

• Globalzoo. (23rd January, 2010). The Saltwater Crocodile, part 2. Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from http://youtu.be/UiRf_eYihS4

• Reptile Channel. (2013). All Turtle and Tortoise Species. Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from http://www.reptilechannel.com/reptile-species/turtles-and-tortoises_all_landing.aspx

• Science Kids. (2013). Fun Snake Facts for Kids. Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals/snake.html