Characteristics of Reptiles

That Distinguish Them

From Amphibian

Amphibian

Reptiles

Introduction

Amphibians mean
living two lives (on
land as well as on
water). Amphibians
usually have to stay
near water sources to
prevent drying out,
and have smooth skin

Reptiles are groups of

animals that breathe
air, have scales on
their bodies, and lay
eggs.

Examples of animals

Frog, toad, newts,

salamanders

Snakes, lizards,
crocodiles, turtles

Method of Breathing

Gills and lungs

Lungs

Metamorphosis

Yes. Breathes water

through gills until it
develops lungs

No. Looks like a

miniature adult when
born.

Defense

Toxic skin secretions

and can bite. No nails.
If teeth are present,
they are pedicellate
teeth

Nails and teeth (some

have venom; Gila
monster, beaded
lizard, and many
snakes). Reptiles
have scales, which

Amphibian

Reptiles

Heart structure

3-chambered

One can say that the

reptile heart has three
chambers, two atria
and one, partially
divided, ventricle. Or
one may argue that
reptiles have fourchambered hearts
with two atria and two
ventricles, but the
wall between the
ventricles is
incomplete.

Limbs

Short fore limbs and

long hind limbs with
five webbed digits.

Reptiles usually have

four limbs, but some
reptiles (snakes) have
no limbs. Reptiles
with limbs vary in
their ability to move;
some move very
slowly and crawl,
while others can run,

Amphibian

Reptiles

Skin Texture

Smooth, moist and

sometimes rather
sticky skin. Laden with
mucous glands

Dry and scaly. Scales

are made of keratin.
Skin is found
underneath the
scales.

Eggs

Have soft, gel

surrounding their eggs
without any hard
covering. Usually,
found in water or
damp places.

Amniotic egg. Have

hard, leathery eggs
laid on land or they
keep eggs in their
bodies until they
hatch.

Reproduction

External fertilization

Internal fertilization

Anapsid Reptiles : Subclass Anapsida

Turles : order Testudines
Testudines
Turtles and Tortoises
The order Testudines includes
all 250+ species of turtles.
Turtles can be divided into
several categories based on
where they dwell. Terrestrial
turtle species are commonly
referred to as tortoises while
fresh water aquatic turtles
are called terrapins. Turtles ,

 Those chelonia living in salt water oceans

are simply called sea turtles.
The shell of a turtle is very unique to the
order Testudines. It is made of 59-61
bones that form an armor of protection.
This shell can measure from 4 to 73
inches, depending on the species.
The example of animals in the class
testudines includes Snake-necked
Turtles , Sea Turtles, Snapping turtles.