Reptiles

Reptiles, members of the class Reptilia, are cold-blooded vertebrates distinguished by their remarkable adaptations to diverse ecosystems. Their scaly skin not only protects them from physical harm but also minimizes water loss, making it essential for survival in arid and variable environments. Most reptiles lay hard-shelled eggs, but some species, like certain boas and skinks, give birth to live young, showcasing fascinating reproductive diversity. All reptiles breathe through lungs and rely on internal fertilization, forming a diverse group that includes snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodilians, and the elusive tuataras.

Testudines (turtles and tortoises) are cold-blooded vertebrates in the class Reptilia. Their most distinctive feature is their shell, which consists of a domed carapace (upper shell) and a flattened plastron (lower shell), fused by bridges on each side...

Rhynchocephalia, a unique order within the class Reptilia, represents a fascinating lineage that has captivated herpetologists and nature enthusiasts alike. Often referred to by its sole extant member, the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)...

Squamata, the largest reptile order, includes over 12,162 species. It belongs to the class Reptilia within the phylum Chordata. This order includes lizards and snakes, making it the largest order of reptiles.

The Crocodilia Class is a group of large, semi aquatic reptiles characterized by elongated bodies, armored skin, and a four-chambered heart, indicating a high level of circulatory efficiency...

Lizards are fascinating cold-blooded vertebrates within Squamata, sharing their classification with snakes. With around 7,000 species identified globally (Reptile Database, 2024), they are one of the most diverse vertebrate groups.

Snakes are elongated, limbless reptiles that belong to the suborder Serpentes within the order Squamata (which also includes lizards). With over 3,000 documented species, snakes exhibit a wide range of sizes, colors, habitats, and behaviors.