Characteristics of Reptiles for Kids

Reptiles are some of the most fascinating animals for children. There are two main reasons:

1. They look very different from animals we see every day, like cats, dogs, or birds.

2. Some of the most famous extinct animals — the dinosaurs — were reptiles, and their huge size always sparks curiosity.

So, what exactly is a reptile, and how are they different from other animals? Let’s find out!

Main Characteristics of Reptiles

1. Scaly Skin

• All reptiles have skin covered with scales made of keratin.

• This helps them keep water inside their bodies so they can live on land, unlike amphibians that need to stay near water.

2. Reproduction

• Reptiles reproduce by laying eggs.

• Their eggs have hard shells that protect the baby inside and prevent water loss.

• Unlike amphibians, reptiles always use internal fertilization, just like birds and mammals.

3. Adaptations

• Thanks to their scales and strong eggs, reptiles can live in dry, hot, or rough environments.

• Some reptiles live in water (like crocodiles and sea turtles), while others live in deserts, forests, or grasslands.

When Did Reptiles First Appear?

Reptiles first appeared on Earth about 302 million years ago, during the Carboniferous period.

• The oldest known reptile is Petrolacosaurus, a small lizard-like animal about 40 cm long.

• It marked the transition from amphibians to reptiles and became the ancestor of all modern reptiles, including turtles, snakes, crocodiles, lizards, and dinosaurs.

Are Dinosaurs Reptiles?

Yes! Dinosaurs were reptiles.

• They lived during the Mesozoic Era (251–65 million years ago).

• About 65 million years ago, most dinosaurs disappeared in a massive extinction event.

Why did they go extinct?

Scientists believe that a giant asteroid hit the Earth:

• Dust blocked sunlight, lowering the temperature.

• Plants died, then herbivores starved, and finally carnivores also died.

• This “domino effect” wiped out most dinosaurs, along with many other plants and animals.

Summary

• Reptiles have scaly skin, lay hard-shelled eggs, and reproduce with internal fertilization.

• They first appeared around 302 million years ago.

• Dinosaurs were reptiles, but they went extinct about 65 million years ago.

Reptiles may look very different from mammals and birds, but by learning about their features, we can understand how unique and important they are in the history of life on Earth.

animal tags： reptiles