A message about a group of animals called reptiles. Reptiles - what animals are they: a list of names. General characteristics of reptiles

home What is a reptile? This question interests all students taking a biology course in their educational institutions

. However, not only schoolchildren and students can ask the question of what a reptile is.

Young children are also interested in animal themes, especially crawling and jumping animals. Adults, observing the world around them, may also ask questions about what a reptile is and what its features are. This article will be devoted to this topic.

Definition

In short, reptiles are eukaryotic organisms of the chordate type. They include terrestrial vertebrates such as turtles, amphisbaenas, crocodiles, lizards, beaks, snakes and the like.

According to rough estimates, the class Reptiles has about 9.5 thousand species. There are almost eighty varieties of them in our country.

What are the main characteristics of reptiles by which they can be distinguished from other representatives of the world's fauna? Let's find out.

Epidermis

Yes, in order to understand the question of what a reptile is, it is necessary to study in detail its appearance, way of life and other features.

So, the skin. The epidermis of this class of animals is thickened and keratinized. As a result, scales are formed on the surface, which overlap each other, like tiles on the roof of a residential building. It is interesting that several times a year (in almost all species) a complete or partial replacement of the horny cover occurs, in other words, molting.

The skin of reptiles is hard and dry, it does not have mucous glands, but it has special secretory cells that produce odorous substances.

The inner layer of the dermis contains pigments, thanks to which some amphibians and reptiles are able to change the color of their bodies. The chameleon does this especially well.

Skeleton

The class Reptiles has an axial skeleton consisting of five sections of the vertebral column: caudal, sacral, lumbar, trunk and cervical. The total number of vertebrae depends on the type of animal, but there are usually fifty to eighty. However, in snakes their number varies between 140 and 435. Interestingly, the two front reptiles form one joint, which helps the head stay upright and turn in different directions.

Most representatives of this class there is a chest (however, snakes do not have it), as well as a pelvis attached to the sacrum. The caudal vertebrae (from 15 to 40 pieces) are a group of gradually decreasing rod-shaped bones.

The skull of reptiles is ossified and quite strong. The front and hind limbs are equipped with claws.

Skeletal muscles

The class Reptiles has a muscular system, the fibers of which are adapted to work in conditions unusual for humans (without oxygen), which allows animals to move in record time. short distances. However, after intense running, muscle fatigue quickly develops, provoked by the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles.

Nervous structure

The nervous system of amphibians and reptiles consists of two types of brain:

• Brain. Located inside the skull, twelve pairs of nerves diverge from it. It is divided into the forebrain, diencephalon, midbrain, medulla oblongata and cerebellum.
• Dorsal. From which arise the spinal nerves that form the brachial and pelvic plexuses.

Possibilities

Like many chordates, amphibians and reptiles have six sense organs. First of all this:

1. Vision. The eyes of reptiles are able to distinguish objects in the air. Thanks to the lacrimal glands, they are protected from drying out, and the nictitating membrane and eyelids perform other protective functions.
2. Smell. It is represented by choanae (internal nasal openings), which allow animals to breathe freely when there is food in the throat, and also help to find food buried in the ground at a depth of up to eight centimeters.
3. Taste. Represented by taste buds located in the pharynx and the inside of the tongue.
4. Hearing. Although most reptiles have ears, hearing does not play a significant role in their lives. Many people perceive sound signals in a very small range (approximately sixty to two hundred hertz).
5. Touch. This feeling is clearly expressed. Animals can recognize even a light touch on their shell or keratinized epidermis.
6. Thermal sensitivity is an important sensory organ of reptiles, located in the area of ​​​​the small depression between the eye and nose of the animal.

Breath

The respiratory system of this class is represented by sac-shaped lungs, trachea and bronchi. Inhalation and exhalation are possible due to the process of expansion and contraction of the muscles located in the intercostal and abdominal zone.

These animals do not have cutaneous respiration, with the exception of some subfamilies of turtles and snakes.

Circulatory system

Blood circulation is one of the main characteristics of reptiles. Most often it is represented by a three-chambered heart, veins, arteries and aortas. It is noteworthy that the blood circulation consists of systems that are practically independent from each other, which, however, are combined in the dorsal aorta.

Digestion

This important system is represented by numerous organs: strong teeth, a bony palate, a muscular forked tongue, a narrow esophagus, a stomach with thick walls, the pancreas, liver, and so on.

The salivary glands of animals contain digestive enzymes.

Genitourinary system

First of all, the urinary system includes the kidneys, ureter and bladder.

With regard to the reproductive system, it should be noted that reptiles are heterosexual animals. Males have two testes, a Wolffian duct, and a seminal vesicle.

In females, ovaries and Müllerian ducts are observed.

So, having analyzed the structure of reptiles, we smoothly moved on to their way of life. Let's start with reproduction.

Reproduction

Reproduction of reptiles includes internal fertilization, the consequence of which is the deposition of eggs. Most often, animals lay eggs in nests or other secluded places.

In some cases, the reproduction of reptiles can involve the female carrying eggs (in a special internal section of the oviduct) until the hatching of the young. Most often, some reproduce in this way individual species vipers and lizards.

Many representatives of this class have an instinctive desire to take care of their offspring, although there are cases of females eating cubs. Most often this happens with crocodiles.

What else can be said about the lifestyle of reptiles?

Nutrition

Representatives of this class are carnivores, that is, those who eat meat. And yet, sometimes there are species of reptiles that consume mixed or even herbal food.

Method of movement and communication

Most often, animals move with the help of four limbs, dragging their belly along the ground.

The head apparatus of reptiles is poorly developed, so they very rarely voice. In exceptional cases (fear, pain, rage, mating season) can make some sounds.

Reptile species

Representatives of this class, found in different parts of the world, are divided into four orders:

1. Turtles. They include a little more than three hundred species.
2. Crocodiles. There are 25 varieties.
3. Scaly. This includes almost 5.5 thousand lizards and snakes.
4. Getteria (otherwise known as tuatara).

Let's talk about them in more detail.

Reptiles. List

Turtles. This detachment is divided into sea and land. The latter include land and freshwater.

The distinctive and most recognizable feature of these animals is their shell, which protects them from enemies. It can withstand a weight two hundred times the weight of the individual itself.

Some turtles, such as elephant turtles, can reach one and a half meters in length, while their body weight can be four hundred kilograms. The smallest species (these primarily include the Cape speckled, living in South Africa) can barely reach ten centimeters. Accordingly, the body weight of such turtles is also small - about two hundred grams.

Turtles live the longest of all vertebrates. Their lifespan can reach two hundred years or more.

Crocodiles. They have a large and dense lizard-like body, very thick skin and a strong tail. They can swim well and move a little on land. Most often, animals are found in regions with a tropical climate. They can reach from two to five meters in length. A crocodile bite is very strong and painful.

Snakes. Their body length can vary from ten centimeters to seven meters. Many snakes are poisonous (can even kill humans). Others can be dangerous because they use their ability to strangle (or strangle) prey for hunting purposes.

The largest snakes are the reticulated python and anaconda.

It is noteworthy that snakes, unlike other reptiles, do not have paired limbs, eyelids or external auditory apparatus.

Chameleons. These unique animals are capable of changing the color of the epidermis for camouflage or protective purposes. They live in trees and feed mainly on insects.

Iguanas. These are lizards distinguished by spiny ridges located on the tail and along the back. They prefer to live in trees and eat greens and fruits.

Monitor lizards. Very similar to dinosaurs. The length of animals can range from twenty centimeters to three meters. The weight of monitor lizards depends entirely on length. Sometimes the body weight can reach one and a half tons.

The animals have a tenacious grip and a powerful tail. Their tongue is forked and is an organ of smell. They can live in Africa, Asia and Australia, live among desert thickets or near bodies of water.

Geckos. Interesting animals that can stick to any surface, even the smoothest. Most often lead night look life. They can shout to each other using a variety of sounds.

Finally

The species of reptiles listed above prove how rich and diverse the world of wildlife is. The class of reptiles includes many species and families, diverse in appearance, way of life and other properties.

And yet they are united general features, inherent in one class. First of all, it is a thick scaly skin covering, respiratory system and also the circulatory and digestive systems.

Many reptiles are carnivores. They reproduce bisexually, laying eggs in a variety of places.

Do people use reptiles for their own purposes? Yes, but not all. For example, crocodile skin, large lizards and the snake can be used to make a variety of products or objects of use. The meat or eggs of some reptiles can be eaten. Snake venom is often used in pharmacology and cosmetology for the manufacture of ointments, creams and other products.

They explored new, drier habitats. Advantage in struggle for existence reptiles received thanks to the emergence of devices to prevent the loss of water by the body and the transition to the terrestrial method reproduction.

Having conquered the land, the ancient reptilians reached an unprecedented peak. IN Mesozoic they were represented by a huge variety of forms.

The class Reptiles, or Reptiles, is represented mainly by terrestrial animals. They reproduce and develop exclusively on land. Even those species that live in water breathe atmospheric air and go ashore to lay eggs.

The body of reptiles consists of a head, torso and tail. It is protected from drying out by the skin. Breathing is exclusively pulmonary. More complex structure circulatory system allowed reptiles to more successfully adapt to the conditions of the land-air habitat compared to amphibians. Reptiles are cold-blooded animals, their activity depends on the ambient temperature, so most species live in areas with a hot climate.

Many species of reptiles have elongated bodies, for example snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. In turtles it is round and convex. Reptiles have dry skin without glands. She's covered horny scales, or shields, and almost does not participate in gas exchange. As reptiles grow, they periodically shed their skin. Reptiles have two pairs of legs on the sides of their body. The exceptions are snakes and legless lizards. The eyes of reptiles are protected by eyelids and a nictitating membrane (third eyelid).

Respiratory system

Due to the loss of skin respiration, the lungs of reptiles are well developed and have a cellular structure. IN skeleton the breast forms for the first time cell. It consists of the thoracic spine, ribs and sternum (absent in snakes). Volume chest can change, so reptiles breathe by sucking air into their lungs, and not swallowing it, like amphibians.

Nervous system

The brain of reptiles is large and has a more complex structure than that of amphibians: the size of the cerebellum and cerebral hemispheres. Their better coordination is associated with this, mobility, development of sensory organs, especially vision and smell.

Nutrition and excretion

Most reptiles are predators; only land and sea turtles feed primarily plants. The organs of excretion are the kidneys. The need to use water sparingly leads to the fact that the waste products of reptiles contain almost no water.

Circulatory system

The heart of reptiles is three-chambered: it consists of a ventricle and two atria. Unlike amphibians, an incomplete septum appears in the ventricle of reptiles, dividing it in half. There are two circles of blood circulation.

In reptiles, internal fertilization, not related to water. This gave them an advantage in the struggle for existence over amphibians, and they spread widely over land. Reptiles reproduce by laying eggs. After fertilization, the embryo is covered with egg and embryonic membranes. They provide protection and participate in the processes of nutrition and excretion.

Predatory reptiles regulate the number of their victims. Lizards and snakes feeding insects and rodents, are beneficial person. Snake venom is used in medicine. Beautiful and valuable products are made from crocodile and snake skin.

If you meet a viper in the forest, remember that it never attacks a person first and will try to hide. You should not step on it, try to catch it or kill it. The victim of a bite should be given tea and taken to a doctor as soon as possible. Incisions, application of a tourniquet, and drinking alcohol can only harm him.

Scales on the skin of a lizard

The girdle of the forelimbs is similar to the girdle of amphibians, differing only in the stronger development of ossification. The forelimb of reptiles consists of the shoulder, forearm and hand. Posterior - from the thigh, lower leg and foot. Claws are located on the phalanges of the limbs.

Muscular system

The brain is located inside the skull. Row important features distinguishes the brain of reptiles from the brain of amphibians. They often talk about the so-called sauropsid type of brain, which is also inherent in birds, in contrast to the ichthyopsid type in fish and amphibians.

There are five sections of the reptile brain.

• The forebrain consists of two cerebral hemispheres, from which the olfactory lobes extend. The surface of the cerebral hemispheres is absolutely smooth. In the medullary vault of the hemispheres, a primary vault is distinguished - the archipallium, which occupies most the roofs of the hemispheres, and the rudiments of the neopallium. The floor of the forebrain mainly consists of the striatum.
• The diencephalon is located between the forebrain and midbrain. The parietal organ is located in its upper part, and the pituitary gland is located on the lower side. The bottom of the diencephalon is occupied by the optic nerves and their chiasm.
• The midbrain is represented by two large anterior hills - the optic lobes, as well as small posterior hills. The visual cortex is more developed than in amphibians.
• The cerebellum covers the anterior part of the medulla oblongata. It is larger compared to the cerebellum of amphibians.
• The medulla oblongata forms a bend in the vertical plane, which is characteristic of all amniotes.

12 pairs of cranial nerves arise from the brain. In the spinal cord, the division into white and gray matter is more distinct than in amphibians. Segmental spinal nerves arise from the spinal cord to form the typical brachial and pelvic plexus. The autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic) is clearly expressed in the form of a chain of paired nerve ganglia.

Sense organs

Reptiles have five main sense organs:

• The organ of vision, the eyes, is more complex than that of frogs: the sclera contains a ring of thin bone plates; from back wall the eyeball has an outgrowth - a ridge that protrudes into the vitreous body; in the ciliary body, striated muscles are developed, which allows not only to move the lens, but also to change its shape, thus achieving focus during the process of accommodation. The organs of vision have adaptations to work in the air environment. The lacrimal glands protect the eye from drying out. The outer eyelids and nictitating membrane perform a protective function. In snakes and some lizards, the eyelids fuse to form a transparent membrane. The retina of the eye can contain both rods and cones. Nocturnal species have no cones. In most diurnal species, the range of color vision is shifted to the yellow-orange part of the spectrum. Vision is crucial among the sense organs of reptiles.
• The olfactory organ is represented by the internal nostrils - choanae and the vomeronasal organ. Compared to the structure of amphibians, the choanae are located closer to the pharynx, which makes it possible to breathe freely while food is in the mouth. The sense of smell is better developed than that of amphibians, allowing many lizards to find food located under the surface of the sand at a depth of 6-8 cm.
• The organ of taste is the taste buds, located mainly in the pharynx.
• The thermal sensory organ is located on the facial fossa between the eye and nose on each side of the head. Especially developed in snakes. In pit snakes, thermolocators can even determine the direction of the source of thermal radiation.
• The organ of hearing is close to the organ of hearing of frogs; it contains the inner and middle ear, equipped with a tympanic membrane, an auditory ossicle - the stirrup, and an eustachian tube. The role of hearing in the life of reptiles is relatively small; the hearing is especially weak in snakes, which do not have an eardrum and perceive vibrations traveling along the ground or in water. Reptiles perceive sounds in the range of 20-6000 Hz, although most hear well only in the range of 60-200 Hz (for crocodiles 100-3000 Hz).
• The sense of touch is clearly expressed, especially in turtles, which can feel even a light touch on the shell.

Respiratory system

Reptiles are characterized by suction-type breathing by expanding and contracting the chest with the help of intercostal and abdominal muscles. The air entering through the larynx enters the trachea - a long breathing tube, which at the end is divided into bronchi leading to the lungs. Like amphibians, the lungs of reptiles have a sac-like structure, although their internal structure is much more complex. The inner walls of the lung sacs have a folded cellular structure, which significantly increases the respiratory surface.

Since the body is covered with scales, reptiles do not have cutaneous respiration, and the lungs are the only respiratory organ.

Circulatory system

Circulatory system of reptiles

Like amphibians, most reptiles have a three-chambered heart, consisting of one ventricle and two atria. The ventricle is divided by an incomplete septum into two halves: upper and lower. With this design of the heart, a gradient (difference) in the amount of blood oxygen is established in the slit-like space around the incomplete ventricular septum. After the atria contract, arterial blood from the left atrium enters the upper half of the ventricle and displaces venous blood from the right ventricle into the lower half. Mixed blood appears in the right side of the ventricle. When the ventricle contracts, each portion of blood rushes to the nearest hole: arterial blood from the upper half - into the right aortic arch, venous blood from the lower half - into the pulmonary artery, and mixed blood from the right part of the ventricle - into the left aortic arch. Since it is the right aortic arch that carries blood to the brain, the brain receives the most oxygen-rich blood. In crocodiles, the septum completely divides the ventricle into two halves: the right - venous and the left - arterial, thus forming a four-chambered heart, almost like in mammals and birds

In contrast to the common arterial trunk of amphibians, reptiles have three independent vessels: the pulmonary artery, and the right and left aortic arches. Each aortic arch bends back around the esophagus, and when they meet each other, they unite to form the unpaired dorsal aorta. The dorsal aorta stretches back, sending arteries along the way to all organs. From the right arch of the aorta, extending from the left arterial ventricle, the right and left carotid arteries branch off with a common trunk, and both subclavian arteries, carrying blood to the forelimbs, branch off from the right arch.

A complete division into two independent circles of blood circulation in reptiles (including crocodiles) does not occur, since venous and arterial blood mix in the dorsal aorta.

Like fish and amphibians, all reptiles are cold-blooded animals.

Digestive system

Due to the variety of food available for nutrition, the digestive tract of reptiles is much more differentiated than that of amphibians.

Excretory system

The kidneys of reptiles differ significantly from the kidneys of fish and amphibians, which have to solve the problem of getting rid of a constant excess of water in the body. Instead of the trunk kidneys of amphibians (mesonephros), the kidneys of reptiles (metanephros) are located in the pelvic region on the ventral side of the cloaca and on its sides. The kidneys are connected to the cloaca through the ureters.

The thin-walled, stalk-shaped bladder is connected to the cloaca by a thin neck on its ventral side. In some reptiles the bladder is underdeveloped (crocodiles, snakes, some lizards).

Reproductive system

Reptiles are dioecious animals.

Men's reproductive system consists of a pair of testes that are located on the sides of the lumbar spine. A seminal canal extends from each testis, which flows into the Wolffian canal. With the appearance of the trunk bud in wolf reptiles, the canal in males acts only as a vas deferens and is completely absent in females. The Wolffian canal opens into the cloaca, forming the seminal vesicle.

Female reproductive system represented by ovaries, which are suspended on the mesentery to the dorsal side of the body cavity on the sides of the spine. The oviducts (Müllerian canals) are also suspended on the mesentery. The oviducts open into the anterior part of the body cavity with slit-like openings - funnels. The lower end of the oviduct opens into lower section cloaca on its dorsal side.

Lifestyle

Development

Fertilization is internal.

Nutrition

Most reptiles are carnivores. Some (for example, agamas, iguanas) are characterized by a mixed diet. There are also almost exclusively herbivorous reptiles (land turtles).

Economic importance

The importance of reptiles for humans is relatively small. Crocodile skin, large snakes and lizards are used in the leather industry to make suitcases, belts, shoes, etc., however, these items are of an exclusive nature, being a luxury item. The meat of some turtles and eggs are eaten. Snake venom is used in medicine. Many snakes are useful in exterminating rodents, and lizards are useful in exterminating insects. Some species of reptiles are kept as pets.

They pose a great danger to people Poisonous snakes, especially in tropical countries. Large crocodiles are dangerous to humans and cause damage to livestock. Many turtles harm fisheries.

Origin of reptiles

The first representatives of reptiles - cotylosaurs - have been known since the Middle Carboniferous. By the end of the period, animal-like reptiles appeared, which in the Permian period settled almost throughout the entire land, becoming the dominant group among reptiles. In the Mesozoic era, reptiles flourished, and the greatest diversity was observed among the representatives. The development of sea and river reservoirs is taking place, as well as airspace. In the Mesozoic, all groups of reptiles formed. The last group - snakes - formed during the Cretaceous period.

At the end Cretaceous period There is a sharp reduction in the number of reptile species. Unambiguously indicate the causes of extinction modern science can't yet.

Classification

There is a lot of uncertainty in the classification of reptiles, largely because most of them are extinct. Below is one of the possible options.

• Subclass Anapsida ( Anapsida)
  • Turtles ( Testudines or Chelonia)
  • †Cotylosaurus ( Cotylosauria)
  • †Seymuriomorpha ( Seymouriomorpha)
• Subclass Proganosaurus ( Proganosauria)
  • † Mesosaurs ( Mesosauria)
• Subclass Ichthyopterygia ( Ichtyopterygia)
  • †Ichthyosaurs ( Ichthyosauria)
• Subclass Synaptosaurus ( Synaptosauria or Euryapsida)
  • †Protorosaurus ( Protorosauria)
  • †Sauropterygia ( Sauropterygia)
• Subclass Lepidosaurs or scaly lizards ( Lepidosauria)
  • †Eosuchia ( Eosuchia)
  • Beakheads or proboscis ( Rhynchocephalia)
  • Scaly ( Squamata): lizards and snakes
• Subclass Archosaurs ( Archosauria)
  • †Thecodonts ( Thecodontia) - became extinct, giving rise to other representatives of this subclass and, possibly, birds
  • Crocodiles ( Crocodylia or Crocodilia)
  • †Pterosaurs or flying lizards ( Pterosauria): pterodactyls, etc.
  • †Saurischian dinosaurs ( Saurichia) - extinct, possibly gave rise to birds
  • †Ornithischian dinosaurs ( Ornithischia)
• Subclass Animalia, or synapsids, or theromorphs ( Synapsida or Theromorpha) - became extinct, but gave rise to mammals.
  • † Pelycosaurus ( Pelycosauria)
  • †Therapsids ( Therapsida)

Reptiles are an unusual class that falls between amphibians and mammals. They are otherwise called reptiles. But not everyone knows what reptiles are.

Reptiles are vertebrates that share similarities with birds and mammals.

Let's take a closer look at this class.

What are reptiles?

Representatives of this class are cold-blooded creatures. Their body temperature is determined by temperature environment. But they have one feature: they can regulate their temperature themselves. The ancestors of reptiles are amphibians. In winter, reptiles usually sleep. And in hot weather they are only nocturnal.

Reptiles have tough skin covered with scales.. Such skin is needed to protect the body from drying out. These animals breathe only through their lungs. Some representatives of this class have lungs of the same size, while others have one lung larger than the other. And this is the norm. The skeleton of reptiles is well developed. Everyone has ribs, but their number depends on the representative of this class.

Almost all species of this class have a tongue, but for some it is short, and for others it is very long. It is also the main sense organ. To protect themselves from enemies, these animals change color, some have a hard shell, and some are even poisonous. These animals reproduce like birds, that is, they lay eggs.

The following animals belong to the class of reptiles:

• Snakes;
• Lizards;
• Turtles;
• Dinosaurs.

Types of reptiles

Reptiles or reptiles are divided into four orders:

Reptiles can be found anywhere, but the largest number of them live in warm countries. Where it is always cold and there is little vegetation, these animals are very rare. Reptiles live everywhere. And in water, and on land, and in the air. Let's take a closer look at the representatives of this class.

Turtles

Turtles are the most famous among reptiles. They can live both on land and in water. They can be seen not only in the zoo and in wildlife, many keep them at home. These cute animals do not pose any danger to humans; they are harmless.

Turtles appeared about two hundred million years ago. These reptiles have a shell. He protects them from enemies. It consists of two parts: abdominal and dorsal. On top it is covered with horny tissue in the form of plates.

These animals come in different sizes. There are giant turtles that can reach 900 kilograms. And there are little turtles. Their weight does not exceed 125 grams, and the length of the shell is only ten centimeters.

Instead of teeth, this animal has a powerful beak. She uses it to grind food.

Based on their habitat, turtles are divided into:

• Freshwater: painted or decorated, European marsh, red-eared, caiman;
• Marine: hawksbill, leatherback, green or soup turtle;
• Ground;
• Land: elephant, Egyptian, Central Asian, leopard, Cape;

What do these animals eat?. Their food depends entirely on their habitat. Land turtles feed on fruits, vegetables, tree branches, mushrooms and grass. And sometimes they can even eat worms and snails.

Aquatic turtles feed on small fish, shrimp, squid, frogs, snails, mollusks, insects, and bird eggs.

Land turtles Those who live at home eat cabbage, apples, tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, dandelions, and chicken eggs. And pet aquatic turtles love to eat earthworms, boiled meat, bloodworms, insects, algae and lettuce.

The turtle is a long-liver. She will outlive any other representative of reptiles.

Crocodiles

Crocodile

The crocodile is the only representative of the archosaur subclass. Their body length ranges from two to seven meters. And the mass can reach more than 700 kilograms. The crocodile is a fairly fast animal in the water. Its speed can reach forty kilometers per hour.

The number of teeth in a crocodile ranges from 70 to 100. This depends on the type of crocodile. The teeth are long and sharp, about five centimeters.

These animals live only in warm countries with humid climate: Africa, Japan, Australia, Bali, Northern and South America, Guatemala, Philippine Islands.

Crocodile is a predator, so it feeds on fish, shellfish, birds, lizards, snakes, antelopes, deer, buffalos, wild boars, dolphins, sharks, leopards, lions, hyenas. These animals can even eat a monkey and a porcupine, a kangaroo and a bunny. And there are cases when crocodiles eat their own kind.

Crocodiles live for quite a long time - a hundred years.

Species of crocodiles

Crocodiles are divided into three families: true crocodiles, gharials and alligators.

In its turn, Crocodiles of the true family are divided into the following species:

The alligator family is divided into:

• Mississippian - differs from other species in that it can easily withstand the cold, freezing its entire body in the ice.
• Chinese is a rare and small species of alligator. Its length does not exceed two meters, and it weighs only about forty-five kilograms.
• Crocodile caiman - otherwise called the spectacled crocodile. This is due to the fact that on its face there are growths between the eyes that resemble glasses.
• Black Caiman - pretty close-up view alligator. Its length reaches 5.5 meters and it weighs more than 500 kilograms.

The gharial family is divided into:

• Gangetic gharial. The length of his body reaches six meters, and he weighs only about two hundred kilograms.
• Gharial. The muzzle of this species is narrow and long. The body length is six meters, and the weight does not exceed 200 kilograms.

Hatteria

Most people think that hatteria is lizard. But this is a mistaken opinion. This reptile lived back in the era of dinosaurs and forms the order of beaked heads. This reptile has another name - tuatara.

They live only in New Zealand. In appearance they resemble an iguana. The internal structure is similar to that of a snake. They took some from turtles, and some from crocodiles.

She has one more feature - three eyes. The third eye is located at the back of the head. The length of the hatteria reaches more than fifty centimeters, and it weighs no more than one kilogram.

This amazing animal is only nocturnal. The breathing of the hatteria is slow. She may not breathe for as long as sixty minutes.

This reptile feeds on insects, snails, and worms. Life expectancy is quite long, about a hundred years.

Lizards

Lizards belong to the class of reptiles. Their diversity is very large - about six thousand species. They all differ from each other in their size, color, and habitat.

Lizards are very similar to newts, but they have many differences. One of the main differences is that the newt is an amphibian. An amphibian is different from a reptile.

Almost all lizards have a feature- this is the ability to throw off your tail in emergency situations. Many lizards can change body color.

Lizards feed on insects: butterflies, snails, grasshoppers, spiders, worms. Major representatives They feed on small animals, snakes and frogs.

Lizards are divided into six infraorders:

• Skink-like;
• Iguanas;
• Gecko-like;
• Fusiform;
• Vermiform;
• Monitor lizards

All these infraorders are divided into families. Skinkoids are divided into:

Iguanas are divided into fourteen families. The most striking representative of this infraorder is the chameleon.

Gecko-like are divided into seven families. Of which we can highlight unusual lizard- this is a scaly leg. The peculiarity of this reptile is that it has no legs.

Fusiformes is divided into five families: earless monitor lizards, spindle lizards, legless lizards, monitor lizards, xenosaurs.

Worm-like lizards consist of one family. These reptiles are similar to earthworms.

Monitor lizards consist of several families. They are the most big lizards. For example, komodo dragon can weigh more than ninety kilograms.

Snakes

A snake is a cold-blooded animal, which belongs to the class of reptiles. The weight and size of snakes vary. Their length can reach nine meters and weight more than one hundred kilograms.

Snakes can be poisonous or non-venomous. These reptiles are deaf. They navigate using language. It is he who collects information about the environment.

Snakes eat rodents, bird eggs, fish, and some even feed on their own kind. They eat food only twice a year.

Snakes are oviparous. Some people lay ten eggs, while others lay one hundred and twenty thousand eggs. Some representatives give birth to live young.

The variety of snakes is huge. There are more than three thousand species.

The most interesting representatives are the following:

Now you know what reptiles or reptiles are. And who are their representatives.