Reptiles
Reptiles (/'rɛptɪlz/)
Reptiles, pronounced as /'rɛptɪlz/, are a group of cold-blooded vertebrates that includes turtles, lizards, snakes, alligators, and crocodiles. The term "reptile" is derived from the Latin word "reptilis", which means "creeping".
Etymology
The term "reptile" comes from the Latin "reptilis", which means "creeping". This is in reference to the typical movement style of reptiles.
Classification
Reptiles are classified into four major groups:
- Testudines: This group includes turtles and tortoises.
- Squamata: This group includes lizards and snakes.
- Crocodilia: This group includes alligators, crocodiles, and gharials.
- Rhynchocephalia: This group includes the tuatara, a reptile found only in New Zealand.
Characteristics
Reptiles are known for their scaly skin, ability to lay hard-shelled eggs, and internal fertilization. They are ectothermic, meaning they regulate their body temperature through external means.
Habitat and Distribution
Reptiles are found in a variety of habitats across the globe, from the tropics to temperate regions. They are not found in extremely cold environments, as their cold-blooded nature makes it difficult for them to survive in such conditions.
Related Terms
- Ectothermic: Refers to animals that regulate their body temperature through external means.
- Endothermic: Refers to animals that regulate their body temperature internally.
- Herpetology: The study of reptiles and amphibians.
- Oviparous: Refers to animals that lay eggs, as most reptiles do.
- Vertebrate: An animal with a backbone. Reptiles are a type of vertebrate.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Reptiles
- Wikipedia's article - Reptiles
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