Characteristics Of Reptiles

Reptiles have been on this earth for the past 200 million years. Today we find just a few species left. The Chelonian, lizards, turtles, snakes the crocodiles, and the tuatara. The characteristics of reptiles differ with every species.

Reptiles are vertebrates that have a scaly skin and are cold blooded. Some of them are tetrapods, i.e. they have four legs. Although snakes do not have legs yet it is believed that their predecessors walked on all fours.

As the reptiles are heterothermal they depend on the environment to remain warm. No wonder they are found basking in the sunlight, lying around lazily on rocks on a sunny afternoon, to give their body that much needed warmth, as the scales on their body, absorb the suns heat. Some reptiles like the Blandingii turtles prefer to live in colder areas like the ice lakes, while some can survive in temperatures as high as 104 degree Fahrenheit. If they do not find the temperatures conducive, they prefer to hibernate.

Usually the period ranging from September to April is the time to hibernate. After that follows the period of mating, wherein, they dig holes or construct underground tunnels to lay their eggs.

Some reptiles like the snakes shed the outer layer of their skin at regular intervals. Thus we can broadly classify the characteristics of reptiles as follows:

• Blood circulation in reptiles: Except for crocodiles, which have four chambers in their heart, the rest have three chambers.
• Respiratory system of reptiles: Reptiles has lungs through which they breathe, unlike some Amphibians who have gills.
• Skeletal system of reptiles: A backbone is there in every reptile to protect their spinal column. All reptiles are tetrapods i.e. they have four legs, except for the snakes.
• Reproductive system of reptiles: Reptiles usually mate after finishing their period of hibernation. Their membranes and shells are made of substances through which oxygen and other gases can permeate. Although snakes only lay eggs, yet the Boa constrictors and rattle snakes bear young ones.
• Body temperature control: Temperature of the body is regulated by the surroundings. Thus they need the heat of the sun to keep them warm.
• Skin texture of reptiles: Their skin scaly and tough. This prevents loss of moisture and preserves the heat of the body.
• Sense organs of reptiles:Some snakes are blind. They follow the scent of their prey by flicking their tongue in the air. While some reptiles have ear drums, just close to their eyes, through which they can sense their prey.
• Physical development of reptiles: Unlike amphibians, reptiles possesses all the adult characteristics at the time of birth. They do not cross various stages of metamorphism.

Reptiles are fascinating creatures with dinosaurs as their predecessors. They are revered as well as feared, making them the most intriguing species present on the earth.