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Reptiles: Different Types, Definition, Photos, and More

Reptiles (Reptilia) are a large group of vertebrates that mainly cover their bodies with dry scales or shields and are mainly adapted to terrestrial environments, but some also live in water. They have an important position in the history of evolution and are the first vertebrates to fully adapt to terrestrial life.

  • Scientific name: Reptilia

  • Main features:

    1. Body covered with scales: Epidermal scales or shields prevent water loss

    2. Oviparous: Most reptiles reproduce by laying eggs, which have tough shells.

    3. Poikilotherms: Body temperature changes with ambient temperature.

    4. Pulmonary respiration: Reptiles rely on lungs for respiration.

    5. Diverse limb structures: Some reptiles (such as snakes) have degenerated and have no limbs.

  • Ecological role:

    • Predator: Control the number of pests and small animals.

    • Food source: Provide energy for birds of prey, mammals, etc.

  • Evolutionary history:

    • Originated in the Carboniferous period about 310 million years ago.

    • It is an animal that evolved from amphibians and is fully adapted to terrestrial life.

    • Reptiles are the ancestors of dinosaurs and birds.

Classification of reptiles

Reptiles are traditionally divided into four major orders: Lepidosauria (snakes and lizards), Testudinata (turtles), Crocodilia (crocodiles), and Rhynchocephalus (representatives of ancient reptiles).

Classification levelOrderFamilyGenusExamples
LepidosaursSquamataLacertidaeLacertaGreen lizard, sand lizard


VaranidaeVaranusKomodo dragon


ViperidaeViperaCommon viper


ElapidaeNajaCobra, Black Mamba


BoaPython


CrotalinaeCrotalusRattlesnake
TestudinataTestudinata (Testudines)TestudinidaeTestudoSulcata tortoise, Indian star tortoise


CheloniidaeCheloniaGreen turtle, hawksbill turtle


Mud turtle family (Kinosternidae)Mud turtle genus (Kinosternon)Mud turtle


TrionychidaePelodiscusChinese softshell turtle
CrocodyliaCrocodile (Crocodylidae)Crocodile (Crocodylus)Nile crocodile, saltwater crocodileNile crocodile, saltwater crocodile


AlligatoridaeAlligator (Alligator)American alligator, Chinese alligator


GavialidaeGavialisGharials
RhynchocephaliaRhynchocephaliaSphenodontidaeSphenodonSphenodon (endemic to Oceania)

Main characteristics and adaptations of reptiles

1. Body structure

  • Scales and shields: Prevent water evaporation and adapt to dry environments.

  • Evolution of limbs: Most have limbs, while snakes have degenerated into limbless ones.

  • Skeletal system: Reptiles have strong bones, which are particularly suitable for life on land.

2. Respiratory system

  • Pulmonary breathing: Reptiles rely entirely on lungs for gas exchange, which is more efficient than amphibians.

3. Reproduction

  • Oviparous: Most reptiles lay eggs with tough shells.

  • A few are viviparous: Some snakes, for example, can give birth to their young directly.

4. Poikilothermia

The body temperature of reptiles changes with the external environment, so they live in warm areas.


History of Reptile Evolution

  1. Early Reptiles:

    • Reptiles originated in the Carboniferous period, and the earliest reptiles were called "Anaplasti".

    • They evolved from amphibians and developed more efficient waterproof skin and respiratory systems.

  2. Age of Dinosaurs:

    • Reptiles reached their peak in the Mesozoic Era (about 200 million years ago), including dinosaurs, pterosaurs, etc.

    • Dinosaurs were the most successful group of reptiles, and their descendants evolved into modern birds.

  3. Modern Reptiles:

    • Existing reptiles are survivors of the extinction of dinosaurs, including crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and turtles.

Ecological Roles of Reptiles

  1. Predators and Food Chain Control:

    • Large reptiles such as crocodiles are top predators.

    • Lizards and snakes control the number of pests and maintain ecological balance.

  2. Seed Dispersers:

    • Some lizards eat fruits and spread seeds, which helps vegetation reproduce.

  3. Environmental Health Indicators:

    • Reptiles are very sensitive to habitat changes, and their numbers can reflect the health of the ecological environment.

Reptiles in the World

1. Lepidosauria (Snakes and Lizards)

  • Includes the largest variety of reptiles, such as pythons, rattlesnakes, geckos and monitor lizards.

  • Widely distributed throughout the world, from tropical rainforests to deserts.

2. Testudinata (Turtles)

  • Turtles are widely distributed in terrestrial and aquatic environments, including sea turtles, land tortoises and freshwater turtles.

  • Representative species: green turtles, sulcata tortoises.

3. Crocodiles (Crocodile)

  • Includes large aquatic reptiles such as the NidaliaCrocodiles and American alligators.

  • Crocodiles live in tropical wetlands and rivers.

4. Rhynchocephalus

  • There is only one species left: the Rhynchocephalus, which is distributed in New Zealand.

  • Known as a "living fossil", it is a species left over from the dinosaur era.

Reptile conservation status

  1. Habitat destruction:

    • Deforestation and wetland destruction seriously threaten the survival of reptiles.

  2. Climate change:

    • Affects the incubation temperature and sex ratio of eggs.

  3. Illegal trade:

    • Turtles and snakes are often illegally caught due to their high economic value.

  4. Protection measures:

    • Establish nature reserves.

    • Strengthen international cooperation to protect endangered species.

Conclusion

Reptiles are among the oldest and most adaptable animals on Earth, and their diversity tells a remarkable story of evolution. From rattlesnakes in the desert to turtles in the deep sea, reptiles have adapted to a variety of extreme environments.

Testudines Squamata Crocodilia Lizardia
Teratoscincus roborowskii

Teratoscincus roborowskii

Teratoscincus roborowskii

Lizardia LC

Features：The whole body is covered with large scales.

The Turpan sand tiger is nocturnal, inhabits desert or semi-desert areas, and usually hides in 80cm deep burrows dug by itself during the day. Each embryo can produce 2 eggs, which can hatch into 60mm larvae after 75-95 days. During the whole activity period, the daily activity rhythm of Turpan Sand...

Teratoscincus scincus

Teratoscincus scincus

Teratoscincus scincus,Common Wonder Gecko

Lizardia LC

Features：The friction of the fingernail scales on the tail produces a distinctive rustling sound.

The Yili Sand tiger is a burrowing terrestrial lizard, which belongs to the more typical nocturnal guarding palace, usually they do not come out during the day, and often hide in the ground holes dug by themselves in advance of about 80 centimeters, and inhabit in the desert environment. At night, t...

Gekko reevesii

Gekko reevesii

Gekko reevesii

Lizardia LC

Features：The head is a flat triangle.

Giant geckos live in tropical and subtropical limestone areas 250-600m above sea level, hiding in caves during the day and active at night. Mainly prey on insects, other geckos, small rodents, birds.The wild animal is a national second-class key protected wild animal....

Crocodylus porosus

Crocodylus porosus

Estuarine Crocodile，Salt-water Crocodile，Sea crocodile, saltwater crocodile, hoole, man-eating crocodile, estuarine crocodile, Malayan crocodile, naked neck crocodile

Crocodilia LC

Features：It is the largest reptile in the world and also the animal with the strongest bite force, which can reach 1905KG.

Saltwater crocodile (scientific name: Crocodylus porosus) is also known as Estuarine Crocodile and Salt-water Crocodile in foreign languages. It has no subspecies. The epithet “Porosus” means “porous”. Since the saltwater crocodile is the only crocodile in the order Crocodilia that does not have...

Naja naja

Naja naja

Naja naja

Squamata LC

Features：The stripes on the back look like a smiling face

The Indian cobra (Latin name: Naja naja) is a species of snake in the genus Naja of the family Elapidae, and is also an important representative species in the genus Naja. The keyword "Naja" in the scientific name of this snake species and the entire genus Naja comes from the snake god &qu...

Varanus komodoensis

Varanus komodoensis

Varanus komodoensis,dragon、komodo dragon

Squamata LC

Features：The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard known to exist.

The largest lizard on earth is the Komodo dragon. The Komodo dragon, scientifically known as Varanus komodoensis (Ouwens, 1912), is a species of Varanus in the Varanidae family. Also known as the Komodo dragon, it is the largest lizard known to exist today. The Komodo dragon is ferocious, and adults...

Atheris hispida

Atheris hispida

Atheris hispida,Hairy tree pit viper, scaly tree pit viper

Squamata LC

Features：The body is covered with dense and sharp thorn-like scales, making it the most dragon-like snake.

The Kivu tree viper (scientific name: Atheris hispida), also known as the hairy tree viper and the scaly-skinned tree viper, is a venomous snake species under the Viperidae family of the suborder Serpentes.The Kivu tree viper is an expert at climbing trees. It lives mainly on trees, but also climbs...

Vipera renardi

Vipera renardi

Vipera renardi,Oriental Viper

Squamata LC

Features：Very similar in appearance to the Vipera

Oriental viper belongs to the family Viperidae of the order Squamata. It is a small viper.Oriental viper is gentle and does not actively attack humans. Even if people want to kill it, it will not fight back, but only run away. It mainly feeds on small rodents, lizards, and insects.Oriental viper was...

Vipera berus

Vipera berus

Vipera berus,Northern Viper,Dragon viper, Arctic viper

Squamata LC

Features：It is the only snake found within the Arctic Circle.

The Vipera berus is the most widely distributed land snake.The Vipera berus is a solitary animal. It rarely stays with other individuals except during mating and hibernation. Its activity time is mainly concentrated at sunset. They start hibernation between September and October every year, wake up...

Protobothrops mangshanensis

Protobothrops mangshanensis

Protobothrops mangshanensis,White-tailed snake, rare snake, small green dragon, Mangshan iron-headed snake

Squamata LC

Features：The head is slightly triangular, slightly larger, with cheek pits, and looks like a piece of iron, hence the name.

The Latin name of the Mangshan pit viper Protobothrops mangshanensis is a giant venomous snake species unique to China, commonly known as "Little Green Dragon".The Mangshan pit viper is carnivorous. They will track their prey in a timely manner and find the right opportunity to prey. Under...

Protobothrops cornutus

Protobothrops cornutus

Protobothrops cornutus,Horned iron, horned pit viper

Squamata LC

Features：Head with a pair of horns

The Latin name of the horned pit viper Protobothrops cornutus is very rare and its whereabouts in the wild are secretive.The horned pit viper is a highly venomous snake. In addition to the common attributes of these venomous snakes, it also has its own unique "killer move". The fangs of th...

Gloydius shedaoensis

Gloydius shedaoensis

Gloydius shedaoensis，Agkistrodon acutus, Agkistrodon acutus, Agkistrodon acutus, Agkistrodon acutus

Squamata LC

Features：The body color is mostly silver and gray, with light black stripes.

The scientific name of the snake island pit viper is Gloydius shedaoensis. It is one of the famous venomous snakes in China. Its distribution area "Snake Island" is named after the abundance of snake island pit vipers.The migratory bird season is the season for the activity of the snake is...

Daboia russelii siamensis

Daboia russelii siamensis

Daboia russelii siamensis，Leopard, leopard, coin spot, ancient coin window, round-spotted viper

Squamata LC

Features：Slow in movement, fierce in nature, and extremely poisonous

Daboia russelii siamensis is a venomous viper belonging to the genus Viper in the subfamily Viperidae of the suborder Viperidae. There are three subspecies, among which the Thai viper (Daboia russelii siamensis) is a second-level key protected animal in my country.The round-spotted viper moves slowl...

Praescutata viperina

Praescutata viperina

Praescutata viperina，Black-tailed sea snake, Sea viper

Squamata LC

Features：The head and neck are not clearly distinguished; the body is relatively short and thick, slightly flattened laterally, and the tail is flattened laterally

The Latin name of the sea viper is Praescutata viperina, which is a species of the genus Praescutata in the family Elaphedae.Sea vipers live in the ocean, often in shallow waters. They feed on fish. They are ovoviviparous.Listed in the "National List of Terrestrial Wildlife with Important Econo...

Hydrophis jerdonii

Hydrophis jerdonii

Hydrophis jerdonii

Squamata LC

Features：Short head, olive-colored back with black rings

The sea snake is a species of the genus Sea Snake in the family Elaphedae. It is highly venomous and poses a great threat to fishermen.It preys on eels and other fish. It is ovoviviparous. Listed in the "National List of Terrestrial Wildlife with Important Economic and Scientific Research Value...

Hydrophis platurus

Hydrophis platurus

Pelamis platurus，Hydrophis platurus

Squamata LC

Features：The most widespread sea snake

Long-nosed sea snakes live in the ocean and can stay away from the coast. They are the most widely distributed species of sea snakes.Long-nosed sea snakes mainly feed on various small fish and crustaceans. They are ovoviviparous.Listed in the "National List of Terrestrial Wildlife with Importan...

Microcephalophis gracilis

Microcephalophis gracilis

Graceful sea snake，Microcephalophis gracilis，Small-headed sea snake

Squamata LC

Features：The head is extremely small, the front part of the body is extremely thin and cylindrical, and the back part is thick and laterally flattened.

Microcephalophis gracilis, Latin name of the small-headed sea snake, is a reptile of the genus Microcephalophis in the family Elapidae.The small-headed sea snake lives in the ocean. It is ovoviviparous. It has a very small head and feeds on long small fish and fish eggs. The venom is stronger than o...

Lapemis eurtus

Lapemis eurtus

Lapemis eurtus,Spiny sea snake, flat-chinned sea snake

Squamata LC

Features：Back side is green-brown or yellow-olive with wide dark olive horizontal stripes

The Latin name of the flat-chinned sea snake is Lapemis eurtus, a species of the genus Lapemis eurtus in the family Elapidae, a front-grooved venomous snake.The flat-chinned sea snake lives in the ocean. It eats fish. It is ovoviviparous.Listed in the "National List of Terrestrial Wildlife with...

The Dwarf Sea Snake

The Dwarf Sea Snake

Hydrophiidea,The Dwarf Sea Snake,Gray sea snake

Squamata LC

Features：One of the three common sea snakes along the coast of China (blue-gray sea snake, blue-ringed sea snake, light-gray sea snake)

The Dwarf Sea Snake is a reptile of the genus Cobra in the family Elapidae.The Dwarf Sea Snake will not actively attack humans, and will mostly hurt people when they are harassed.The venom of the blue-gray sea snake is a neurotoxin similar to cobra venom, but it mainly harms human voluntary muscles...

Hydrophis stokesii

Hydrophis stokesii

Hydrophis stokesii

Squamata LC

Features：The longest fang of a sea snake

The sea snake is one of the heaviest and most robust sea snakes, and has the longest fangs among sea snakes. Its fangs are sharp enough to pierce a diving suit. Although the sea snake is venomous, bites and is aggressive, there is no record of human casualties caused by the sea snake.During the bree...

Acalyptophis peronii

Acalyptophis peronii

Acalyptophis peronii，Horned sea snake, Spiny sea snake

Squamata LC

Features：The tail is not as slender as a whip like a land snake, but is flattened like a paddle.

Acalyptophis peronii is a venomous sea snake.Spiny-canthus sea snakes often move in caves and crevices in the sea. Night is the most active period for Spiny-canthus sea snakes. They mainly eat shrimp gobies and other small fish.The sea snake is a viviparous snake. The female gestation period is 6-7...

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