Reptiles and Amphibians
Ms CichonAgricultural Education
Rosholt High School
Amphibians
History
• Came from the lobe-finned fish
Characteristics• Amphibians= larval part of their life in water and their adult lives
partially or completely on land• 4,000 species exist• Have thin skin they can breathe through with the process of
osmosis– Most skins are filled with fluid-secreting glands that produce a slimy
mucus• Purpose of moisture• Prevents too much water from being absorbed into the body when the animal
is in the water• Defense
• Tongues vary considerably– None– Very long and sticky tips– Don’t have teeth
Amphibian examples• Newts
• Salamanders
• Frogs
• Toads
• Caecilians
Housing
Feeding
• Insect eaters• Salamanders prefer earthworms
Handling• Toads and Frogs- Grasp around body• When amphibians are transported they should be
placed in a moist cloth bag to prevent excess moisture loss
• Some frogs and toads produce toxins- – wash your hands before to prevent harming them and
wash your hands after you prevent harming you
• Salamanders- Run water over your hands before picking them up
• Do not grasp by tail (they release their tails)
Disease
• Frog– Red leg• Bacteria found in standing water
• Salamanders and Newts– Fungus Infection• Skin develops abrasions from handling or crawling on
rocks
Reptiles
Characteristics
• Cold-blooded vertebrates• 6,500 species
Hibernation
• Temperate zones• Hibernate during winter• Many go into hibernation for breeding– Temperature stimulates ovulation and production
or sperm
Amphibian examples
• Turtles, Tortoises, and Terrapins
• Snakes, Python, Boas
• Iguanas and Lizards
• Chameleon
Housing
4 Types1.Terrestrial habitat for reptiles that live on land2.Semi aquatic habitat for reptiles that live on
land or in trees and spend part of their time in the water
3.Aquatic habitat for reptiles that live primarily in water
4.Arboreal habitat for reptiles that live in trees
Feeding
Turtles• Eat every day• Carnivorous or omnivorous• Alfalfa, leady dark greens carrots, sweet
potatoes, green beans, peas, radishes, strawberries, cantaloupes
Snakes• Carnivores• Insects, baby mice, rats
Feeding
Lizards• Insects
Handling
• Turtle- pick up by shell• Snakes- should not be handled if frightened
(you or snake)– Grasp firmly behind the head and holding body– Allow to coil around hand
• Lizards- Never by tail– With thumb and forefinger behind head and other
hand on belly
Disease
• Salmonella• Digestible infection• Pathogenic Amoebas• Mouth Rot
Shedding
• Reptiles in good health shed several times during the year
• Normally in one piece
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