1. Reptiles

2. Adapted for Life On Land
Ectothermic
All reptiles are ectotherms meaning “cold-blooded.”
THINK! – How do cold-blooded animals maintain their body temperature?
Whatever the temperature that their environment is becomes their body temp
Skin
Reptiles have dry, tough skin covered with scales
Scaly skin helps keep water in their bodies and protect them
Kidneys
Clean the blood of waste and excretes it as urine
The kidneys concentrate urine so much that the
animal loses little water
Egg with Shell
A reptile egg has a leathery shell to keep it moist
This egg is called an amniotic egg

3. Lizards Features Feeding
These reptiles have skin covered with overlapping scales
Feeding
Most lizards are carnivores.
THINK! – What do carnivores eat?
meat
To the right is a Boyd's Dragon found in the Kuranda Rainforest of Australia.

4. Snakes Features Feeding
Snakes have no legs, no eyelids, no ears, and just one lung.
Snakes such as rattle heads and copperheads have venom glands attached to their fangs.
Feeding
All snakes are carnivores.
Let’s check out some snakes seen at the Australia Zoo

5. Venomous Snakes of Australia
Fierce Snake – World’s
Most venomous snake!
Black Tiger Snake

6. Local Snakes of Australia
Carpet Python – A harmless
Snake you find around suburban areas! Great if you have a rodent problem!
Green Python – A stunning
snake that blends into the
Rainforest greenery!

7. Turtles & Tortoises Features Feeding
A turtles gender is determined by the incubation temperature of the eggs.
Feeding
Some turtles are carnivores and some are herbivores like the Galapagos tortoise!
THINK! – What does a herbivore eat?
Plants

8. Alligators & Crocodiles
Features
THINK! – How can you tell the difference between an alligator & a crocodile?
Alligators have broad, round snouts with only a few visible teeth when their mouths are shut.
Crocodiles have pointed snouts with most of their teeth visible when their mouths are shut.
Feeding
The largest reptiles still living on Earth and are also carnivores.

9. Enjoying the Croc Show At the Australia Zoo!

10. Let’s Cruise the Daintree River & Try to Spot Some Crocs!

11. Can You Spot a Croc?
Our fearless leader on the boat!

12. The Second Sighting

13. The Third Sighting

14. We were the Luckiest Group! A baby hatchling not more than a month old!

15. Cool Reptile Facts
Most reptiles have a 3-chambered heart. Crocodiles have 4 chambers.
By 2080, 20% of lizard species will be extinct due to global warming.
The Nile Crocodile can reach 20 feet long and weigh up to 1,650 lbs. (largest reptile!)
A King Cobra can deliver enough venom in one bite to kill 20 people.
Snakes use their forked tongue to sense.
Green Anacondas can weigh up to 550 lbs.
Black Mamba is the world’s deadliest snake.
Most newborn snakes are born with a single tooth. Why?

16. Critter Cards
Select one of the following reptiles: lizards, snakes, turtles, alligator, or crocodile to research.
Use the template to take notes on your reptile.
Then, arrange the information on a 5” X 8” unlined index card. You may choose to use the computer to generate your information.