What
is a Reptile?
All
reptiles are cold-blooded, that means their body temperature stays about the same
as the temperature of their surroundings. To stay alive, these animals must avoid
extremely high or low temperatures. Most
reptiles that are active during the day keep moving between sunny places and
shady spots. Many species of reptiles that live in hot climates are active
mainly at night (nocturnal). Reptiles in regions that have harsh winters hibernate during the winter.
Most
reptiles lay eggs but some do give birth to live young. The major groups are alligators and crocodiles,
turtles, lizards, and snakes.
General
Reptile Anatomy
All
reptiles are vertebrates, animals
with backbones. Their bodies are covered with dry, horny scales or plates (called scutes).
They are built low to the ground, and all except snakes and a few lizards
have four legs.
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