Reptiles

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.

Enjoying the Croc Show At the Australia Zoo!

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

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

The Second Sighting

The Third Sighting

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

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?

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.