1. Marine Amphibians & Reptiles
Copy the notes and complete the investigations
on your own paper.
Marine Amphibians & Reptiles

2. I. Amphibians
Taxonomy
1. Class Amphibia: amphi = “both” bioans = “life”
2. Orders - No truly marine species.
a. Amphibians use their skin as a respiratory organ so it must be permeable.
b. Permeable means that they can’t maintain an osmotic balance (keep the salt out).
3. Only one brackish / estuarine species
Crab-eating frog (SE Asia) 
Investigation #1: Where does a frog store the water in it’s body when it’s in the water? How about when it’s in the air?

3. Investigation #2: List the steps in the life cycle of a frog?
B. Differences from fish – systems upgrades:
1. Aquatic as larvae, terrestrial as adults.
2. Respiratory
a. Breath with gills as larvae, lungs as adults.
b. Skin and mouth lining are respiratory organs.
3. Skeletal / Movement
a. Pelvic and pectoral fins develop into limbs.
b. No scales or claws.
4. Endocrine
a. Gall Bladder – produces enzymes that break down fats.
b. Pancreas – produces insulin to break down sugars.
Investigation #2: List the steps in the life cycle of a frog?

4. II. Reptiles
A. System Upgrades
1. Integumentary (Skin)
a. Smooth, dry skin covered with­­­ scales.
b. Prevents water loss by evaporation.
2. Skeletal
a. Legs positioned close to ­­­body.
b. Allows for faster movement on land.
3. Digestive - Jaw adaptations
a. Fangs – inject venom (snakes)
b. Bony plates – tear food (turtles)
c. Teeth – for gripping, not chewing (crocodiles)
Investigation #3: How many pythons does it take to change a light bulb?

5. Investigation #4: In what ways does a tortoise look like an elephant?
4. Respiratory – lungs only. 5. Nervous a. Chemical receptors in mouth allow for taste and smell. b. Some can sense infrared (heat) radiation. 6. Circulatory – double loop system a. 3 chambered heart in turtles and snakes. b. Start of a 4 chambered heart in crocodilians. 7. Reproductive a. Amniotic egg – oviparous only. b. Amnion – fluid filled sac. c. Provides protection and nourishment for developing embryo.
Investigation #4: In what
ways does a tortoise
look like an elephant?

6. B. Taxonomy : Class Reptilia 1. Order Testudines: Sea turtles a
B. Taxonomy : Class Reptilia 1. Order Testudines: Sea turtles a. 8 species – all are endangered. b. Anatomy (1) Shell formed by fused bony plates made from ribs and vertebrae. (2) Head cannot be retracted into shell. (3) Limbs modified for propulsion and steering. c. Fast Facts (1) Largest species – Atlantic leatherback (a) Size: 2 meters and 600 kilos (b) Carnivorous

7. Investigation #5: What methods do sea turtles use to navigate?
(2) Navigate great distances by solar angles (latitude), wind direction, smell and sight.
Investigation #5: What methods do sea turtles use to navigate?

8. 2. Order Crocodilia: Marine Crocodiles
a. One marine species that live in the tropical western Pacific (Oceania).
b. A few brackish species are found in warm waters throughout the world.
Investigation #6: How do you tell an alligator from a crocodile? List and briefly describe the three ways.

9. 3. Order Squamata: Sea Snakes
a. 50 known species.
b. Oviparous species gives birth on land, viviparous underwater.
c. Most venomous animals known.
(1) Do not inject venom, have toxic saliva instead.
(2) Paralyzed fish are swallowed whole.

10. 4. Order Squamata: Marine Lizards
a. Galapagos Marine Iguana
b. Considered marine because it forages for seaweed as its only food source.
c. Can dive more than 30 feet deep amongst crashing waves.
Investigation #7: Describe the swimming style of the marine iguana.