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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
Morelia bredli

Morelia bredli

carpet python, felt python, central python

Squamata LC

Features：The carpet python gets its name from its unique pattern that resembles a carpet.

All pythons are non-venomous, and carpet pythons are no exception.Carpet pythons strangle their prey by constricting their bodies. The species is usually active during the day and at night, with some subspecies being primarily nocturnal. Carpet pythons like to live in trees, although they usually ba...

Shinisaurus crocodilurus

Shinisaurus crocodilurus

Crocodile lizard, water gecko, Yaoshan crocodile lizard, big sleeping snake, wood sleeping fish, drowned dog

Lizardia LC

Features：It looks very much like the Chinese alligator, so it is called the crocodile lizard.

Between 1928 and 1929, the biology department of Sun Yat-sen University went to Dayao Mountain in Guangxi, China, and collected 28 reptiles that looked like lizards but had tails like crocodiles in Qiongwu Village, Luoxiang Township, Jinxiu County, Guangxi. No. 2 of them was sent to the Zoological M...

Tomistoma schlegelii

Tomistoma schlegelii

Malayan alligator, Malayan crocodile

Crocodilia LC

Features：It was once believed that there were Malayan crocodiles in the Lingnan area of ​​mainland China in ancient times, mainly distributed in inland rivers, but they no longer exist today.

The Malayan crocodile looks very similar to the Ganges crocodile (Gavialis gangeticus), but its head gradually narrows towards the snout, and it does not have the bulbous protrusion on the snout of the male Ganges crocodile.Historically, the Malayan crocodile has a wide distribution range and appear...

Varanus exanthematicus

Varanus exanthematicus

Grassland monitor lizard, plains monitor lizard

Squamata LC

Features：Husky among monitor lizards

The plain monitor lizard is docile and not too big; it rarely has problems with eating. Because it has a low sense of aggression and is relatively easy to keep, it is the most commonly kept monitor lizard. Unsurprisingly, the plain monitor was first raised by Americans. Due to its docile personality...

Calotes versicolor

Calotes versicolor

Chameleon, horsehair snake, cockscomb snake, four-legged snake

Squamata LC

Features：Body color changes with wet or dry conditions and light intensity.

Ancient folklore says that if you are bitten by a crested snake, you will definitely die. However, up to now, no snake has been found in the world with a mortality rate of 100%.After relevant investigations, it was reported that this crested snake may be a tiger-spotted neck snake or a chameleon tre...

Heloderma suspectum

Heloderma suspectum

Gila Monster, American Gila Monster, Gila Monster,Gila Monster, Blunt-tailed Lizard, Aztec Lizard

Lizardia NT

Features：The venom is a neurotoxin

The Gila Monster (scientific name: Heloderma suspectum) is also known as the American Gila Monster, the Gila Monster, the Gila Monster, the Gila Monster, the Aztec Lizard, and the "Gila Monster" in English. It is named after the Gila River Basin. It is 48-56 cm long, an...

Crocodilia

Crocodilia

Crocodilia LC

Features：‌Body structure‌: Crocodiles have a body structure that is well adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial life. They have a long, flat body that helps them swim quickly in the water, while their strong tails help them keep their balance in the water. Crocodiles have short, powerful limbs that are suitable for running and hunting prey on land. In addition, the crocodile's skin is covered with hard scales, which not only protect the body from external damage, but also reduce friction in the water. ‌
‌Predatory behavior‌: Crocodiles are cunning predators that move slowly and steadily. They usually lurk in mud or lakes, waiting for prey to approach and suddenly attack. Crocodiles' eyes and nostrils are located on the top of their heads, allowing them to observe their surroundings and breathe underwater. Crocodiles have particularly wide mouths with multiple rows of sharp teeth, which are very suitable for hunting prey. ‌
‌Adaptability‌: Crocodiles have amazing adaptability an

Crocodilia (scientific name: Crocodile, foreign name: Crocodile) is a typical large carnivore belonging to the class Sauropoda of the phylum Chordata. It is distributed in rivers, lakes, and coasts from tropical to subtropical areas. There are 25 species in existence.Appearance characteristicsCrocod...

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