Reptiles and Amphibians
What do you already know about Reptiles and Amphibians?
Reptiles
Reptiles are vertebrates, which mean they are creatures with a backbone inside of their body. They are cold blooded, so they can’t control the temperature of their bodies very well. They need oxygen to survive and breathe air into their lungs. Reptiles have scales to protect their body or a hard outer shell. Most have four legs but some have none! Some reptiles live completely on dry land and some reptiles live in the water, a lot of reptiles will do both.
The majority of reptiles lay eggs, but a few give birth to live babies. Snakes such as Rattlesnakes, Boas and Vipers give birth to live baby snakes for example. Reptiles such as crocodiles and tortoises lay eggs that have a hard shell, like a birds egg. Most reptiles though lay eggs that don’t have a protective outer shell. Some reptiles look after their babies once they’ve hatched and some are left on their own.
There are 23 species of crocodile. The Saltwater Crocodile has the most powerful bite in the world!
A Chameleon's eyes can move in two different directions at the same time giving it an amazing view of its surroundings.
A King Cobra is the only species of snake that will build a protective nest for its eggs.
Iguanas are able to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes.
Turtles are adapted for life spent in water and tortoises spend most of their time on land.
Can you believe it...
Some giant tortoise species can grow up to 1.8 metres long.
Most reptiles are carnivores and eat other animals, some are omnivores so they eat meat and plants and only a few are herbivores. Reptiles that are herbivores include iguanas, most tortoises and some turtles. A lot of reptiles can be very poisonous and will give you a nasty bite if you scare them or get too close, it’s their way of protecting themselves and for some it is a way to catch their prey. Crocodiles, alligators, chameleons, snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises are all reptiles. Can you think of any others?
In this country we have very few reptiles living in the wild. 3 species of snakes live here, the Smooth Snake, Grass Snake and Adder, 2 species of lizard, the Common Lizard and Sand Lizard and slow worms can also be found.
A Grass Snake is the largest snake living in the UK and can grow to about 150cm long.
The Common Lizard doesn't lay eggs but gives birth to live babies.
Slow Worms are smaller than snakes and grow to about 50cm long.
Have you ever seen a reptile or amphibian in real life?
Amphibians
Amphibians are also vertebrates, with a backbone inside their body. They are cold blooded as well so can’t control their temperature. Amphibians have smooth skin and don’t have scales. Their skin is very sensitive and some can even breathe through their delicate skin. Most have four legs but a few have none.
The name amphibian means ‘to live a double life’. Nearly all amphibians lay eggs and will usually do so near or in water. Then when the amphibians start their life, they spend their whole time living in water, breathing through gills. They then transform into an adult, looking completely different and breathing air into newly developed lungs. They then enjoy spending time both on land and in the water, having to come up to the surface to breathe.
Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders are amphibians. In this country you can find 5 species of frog, although they are not as brightly coloured as many are, those are found in more tropical places! There are also 2 species of toad and 3 species of newt.
Newts and Salamanders can lose an arm or leg and grow it back!
A salamander is very similar to a newt but there are slight differences in their skin and feet for example.
Brightly coloured amphibians, frogs included, have brightly coloured skin as a warning to predators that they might be poisonous to eat!
A species of frog found in the UK. Frogs hop around on much longer legs than toads and have bright smooth skin.
Did you know...
A species of toad found in the UK. Toads have shorter legs and move about by crawling instead of hoping and have dull rough warty skin.
What we've learnt...
Reptiles and Amphibians are vertebrates, which means they have a backbone inside their body.
Reptiles and Amphibians are cold blooded so they can’t maintain their temperature very well.
Most reptiles and amphibians lay eggs (although a few don’t)
Creatures that are reptiles include…snakes, lizards, crocodiles, alligators, turtles and tortoises.
(The dinosaurs were reptiles too)
Creatures that are amphibians include…frogs, toads, newts and salamanders.
Test your knowledge...
Reptiles and Amphibians Quiz
If you click the correct answer the box will turn green. If its the wrong answer it will turn red and then show you what the correct answer was. Some questions have more than one answer, so read/listen to the questions carefully!
#1. Does a tortoise or turtle like water the most?
#2. Which reptiles lay hard shell eggs?
Select all that apply:
#3. Do reptiles or amphibians start their life breathing through gills?
#4. Which of these creatures are reptiles? (Choose three)
Select all that apply:
#5. Which one of these creatures is NOT an amphibian?
Results
I really hope you have enjoyed learning all about Reptiles and Amphibians, with me Flash!
Question Time...
Is Jonathan the tortoise still alive?
By Ellie
Yes! Jonathan the tortoise is now thought to be 192 years old! He holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest land living animal.
Any other questions?
Is there anything else you’d like to know? Ask your grown up or teacher to ask me! Your question and my answer could then appear here.
Jonathan the tortoise at Plantation House by Kevstan – CC BY-SA 4.0
Other photos and illustrations on this page are Whizzbots or Public Domain Images.