Reptiles have scaly skin and are cold-blooded, which means they rely on the sun and their surroundings to warm up. That is why you often see a lizard or tortoise basking on a rock in the morning. Most reptiles lay eggs with tough or leathery shells, an adaptation that let their ancestors leave the water and breed on dry land long before the first mammals appeared. Today the group includes animals as different as legless snakes, armored crocodiles and color-changing chameleons, found on every continent except Antarctica.
Use this hub to explore each branch of the reptile family. Compare the slow, land-living tortoises with their swimming cousins in turtles, discover sticky-toed geckos and other lizards, or read about the crocodiles that have changed little in millions of years. Whether you are a student researching habitats or a pet owner planning a first terrarium, you will find species profiles, behavior facts and care tips for keeping reptiles healthy.
One of the most common reptilian companions in the world is the Bearded Dragon. They are amiable, inquisitive, and manageable. How long do they survive, though? What influences their longevity, also? Bearded dragon Quick Facts Common name Bearded dragon Scientific name Pogona vitticeps Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Squamata Family Agamidae Genus Pogona Conservation status…
Turtles are some of the world’s oldest creatures, first showing up in our fossil records around 230 million years ago, though many scientists believe they could have existed long before that. In fact, some believe they date as far back as 300 million years during the Carboniferous period. Turtles were much, much different back then….
Are you a fan of turtles? If you are, then you’ve probably heard of the Cooter turtle. These fascinating creatures are a popular choice for pet owners and nature enthusiasts alike. But did you know that there is so much more to these turtles than meets the eye? Cooter turtles Quick Facts Common name Cooter…
Quick answer: Turtles spend much of their lives in water and have flatter shells and webbed feet or flippers, while tortoises live only on land with high domed shells and sturdy, elephant-like legs. Tortoises are also mostly plant eaters. Turtles are some of the oldest creatures on planet earth, first showing up in our fossil…
Lizards are first known to have come into this world during the late-Permian period, dating back to between 240-and-260 million years ago. Black night leopard gecko Quick Facts Name Black night leopard gecko Breed of Eublepharis macularius Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Squamata Family Eublepharidae Type Reptile; a leopard gecko colour morph Diet Insects: crickets,…
Turtles have been part of our world for around 230 million years, though their exact origin is unknown with scientists being unsure of exactly what they evolved from. These have evolved into some of the coolest reptiles in the world today; from map turtles, to painted turtles, to snapping turtles, to sea turtles which have…
What types of geckos are in Florida? Not just in the United States, but all around the world, Florida offers some of the most dynamic, diverse, and beautiful fauna. Florida’s semi-tropical environment, which offers ideal circumstances for a variety of plant and animal life, is largely to blame for this. Geckos in Florida are among…
Snakes were brought into this world during the middle Cretaceous period roughly 100 million years ago. Since then, many of these species have evolved into the worlds deadliest animals. There are two primary groups of snakes, those that are venomous, and those that are non-venomous constrictors. In this list, we’ll be going over the top…
Have you heard about garden snakes? This is a family of widespread, non-venomous snakes also referred to as garter snakes. Garden snakes live in a range of environments and, believe it or not, can be very useful in yards and gardens. However, there are several ways to keep garden snakes away from your garden. Do…
Quick answer: Yes, snakes can swim. Most snakes are good swimmers, moving through the water with side-to-side wriggling of their bodies. Some, like water snakes and sea snakes, spend most of their lives in water. Whether you adore them or avoid them, snakes are very interesting creatures. One of the most interesting facts about snakes…
Turtles are remarkable reptiles that have been sauntering throughout the globe for more than a century. Whether on land, in freshwater ponds and rivers, or in the sea, different turtle species can be found in various habitats. They take pride in being the only animals to walk around with a shell, which they can use…
Teachers and students: you’re welcome to use this diagram in lessons and projects with credit to Learn About Nature. General Information About Lizards Did you know that these reptile species have persisted for about 200 million years? Their characteristics depend on the species. For instance, in some species, lizards can weigh as little as 0.5…
