Reptiles
Therapsids mammal-like reptiles considered to be ancestors of mammals
Characteristics of Reptiles Thick, dry skin Breathe with lungs Ectotherms Lay an amniotic egg Reproduce by internal fertilization
The amniotic egg first evolved in reptiles Reptiles are adapted to life on land because of they have an amniotic egg.
Parts of an egg Amnion Amniotic Fluid Alantois Albumen Yolk sac Egg shell H. Embryo K. Air space
Shell Protects egg Keeps it from drying out Has small pores that allow oxygen to pass through to the growing embryo and allows carbon dioxide to leave
Albumen Provides water and protein to the embryo
Amniotic sac Filled with fluid Surrounds the embryo The amniotic fluid protects it from injury Where the reptilian embryo develops
Yolk Provides a rich supply of food to the embryo
Allantois Stores waste from the embryo Also passes oxygen to the embryo from the pores in the shell
Because reptiles produce amniotic eggs, they can only reproduce by internal fertilization.
Female sea turtles come ashore only to lay their eggs.
Types of Reptiles Turtles Tortoises Crocodiles Alligators Lizards Snakes Tuataras
Tuatara Lives in New Zealand Living fossil Eggs do not hatch for 15 months No visible ear Active during low temperatures Takes twenty years to become an adult
Tuatara
Turtles and Tortoises Unique because of their shell
Crocodiles and Alligators Crocodiles have a narrow head and pointed snout Alligators have a broad head and a rounded snout
Lizards Most reptiles are lizards They live in deserts, forests, jungles, and grasslands Some are herbivores Most are carnivores
Skink
Chameleon
Iguanas
Geckos
Snakes Lack legs Carnivores Do not see or hear very well Smells using tongue
Snakes stick out their tongues to sample the air.
Snakes have special jaws with five joints that allow them to open their mouths wide and swallow very large prey.
Copperhead
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Cottonmouth Water Moccasin
Coral Snake
Why does a turtle live in a shell?
Because he can not afford an apartment.