Modern Reptiles: I. Introduction: A. diversity: 6000 species 1. turtles (anapsid reptiles) 2. snakes & lizards/squamates (lepidosaurs) 3. crocodilians 4.

tuatara (spenodon) B. amniotes C. ectotherms (Their blood is NOT cold!) D. characteristics: 1. integument: a. epidermal scales (dry); a water proof & mechanical barrier; b. chromatophores c. ecdysis = molting/shedding d. claws e. few skin glands 2. skeleton: a. one occipital condyle -vs- two in amphibians b. ossified skull 1. temporal openings- anapsid, diapsid 2. secondary palate in some 3. circulation/respiration: a. three or four chambered heart b. no diaphragm c. lungs 4. excretory system: a. metanephric kidneys b. uric acid & urea 5. feeding: a. herbivores & carnivores b. venom glands c. Jacobson's organ 6. reproduction: a. internal fertilization b. oviparous, ovo-viviparous, & viviparous c. copulatory organs in most: hemipenis

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II. Order Chelonia (turtles) A. morphology: 1. bizarre skeleton: ribs fused & outside limb girdles a. carapace b. plastron 2. dermal scales 3. ridged beak- no teeth 4. single copulatory organ B. ecology/behavior: 1. long lived 2. long generation times C. Nesting: 1. oviparity 2. egg development & environment a. temperature & moisture determine sex & survival 3. terrestrial nests 4. no parental care III. Order Squamata (Squamates/snakes & lizards) A. lepidosaurs 1. diapsid lineage 2. second largest tetrapod group B. characteristics: 1. paired copulatory organ 2. protrusible tongue 3. Jacobson's organ C. Suborder Lacertilia (lizards) 1. 3300 species 2. size range (3 cm- 3 m); 75 Kg 3. most are small (80% < 20 grams) D. differences from snakes: 1. eyelids -vs- fused spectacle 2. external & middle ear -vs- none 3. fused -vs- unfused mandibular symphysis 4. limbs & girdles 5. tail autotomy

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III. Order Squamata (continued) E. specializations: 1. zygodactylous feet 2. prehensile tails 3. swivel eyes 4. protrusible tongue 5. color vision F. major groups & Oklahoma species