general herpetology
what 3 things make a reptile a reptile?
-scales made of keratin
-ectothermic
-ability to shed
what is the Jacobson's organ?
a specialized sensory structure in the roof of the mouth that analyzes chemical particles
why do tuataras not belong to the squamata order and what order do they belong to?
- Belong to the order Rhynchocephalia
- They represent a distinct evolutionary branch that retained many primative features that most squamates lost through evolution
what is pyramiding and how does it occur?
a developmental deformity where scutes grow upward due to improper diet and care
what are defining features of a crocodilian?
-eyes, ears, nostrils on top of their head
-osteoderms
-4 chambered heart
-laterally compressed muscular tails & webbed toes
why are amphibians bioindicators?
a bioindicator species health refleccts the health of the environment
- if amphibian populations drop=unhealthy environment
-amphibian populations increase=healthy environment
What are the five families of snakes?
- Pythonidae
- Boidae
- Viperidae
- Colubridae
- Elapidae
what is tail autonomy?
the voluntary loss of the tail, typically in defense
are all chelonians turtles, tortoises, or terrapins
turtles
what are the bumps on the back of a crocodilians back called? what does the word stand for
osteoderms
osteo-bone
derm-skin
how do reptiles cool themselves down
thermoregulation
what allows snakes to breathe as they swallow large prey?
glottis
what is the difference between fossorial, terrestrial, and arboreal animals
fossorial-burrowing or digging animals
terrestrial-land dwelling
arboreal-tree dwelling
difference between turtles, tortoises, and terapins
tortoises-herbivores, terrestrial/land dwelling, claws for digging, domed shell
turtles-webbed feet/flippers, streamlined shell, herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores
terapins-live in brackish water, semi-aquatic, webbed feet
what do crocodilians use to sense their surroundings
ISO's or Integumentary Sensory Organs that are pressure sensing dots connected to nerve networks
ectothermic vs endothermic
ectothermic- cold blooded & body temp is regulated by external environmental conditions
endothermic- warm blooded & body temp is internally regulated
what are the 4 main types of venom
neurotoxin- affects neurons and nerves, causes ptosis, respiratory failure
cytotoxin- affects cells, causes edema, blistering, apoptosis, and necrosis
myotoxin-targets muscle tissue, causes muscle necrosis that can be either local or systemic
hemotoxin-targets blood & vascular system causing blood cell/vessel damage, hemoraging, coagulation problems
what animals make up Helodermatidae and what characteristics do they have
beaded lizards- Gila monsters & Mexican beaded lizards
-venomous
-heavy-bodied
-osteroderms
what is the top and bottom of a chelonians shell called?
top-carapace
bottom-plastron
what are the 2 black dots along a crocodilians jaw called and what it their function
gular glands used for courtship displays and to indicate stress
what is permeable skin?
skin that allows water,oxygen, and chemicals to pass through
what is special about snakes jaw structure compared to other reptiles?
-snakes jaw adductors are layered from front to back while lizard's adductor muscles start on the roof of the mouth and run vertically to the lower jaw
-snakes have a highly kinetic skull with split, unfused jawbones connected by elastic ligaments; allowing for "unhinging"
how do geckos stick to surfaces
geckos form temporary intermolecular bonds with surfaces using microscopic hairs called setae
how many scutes do chelonians have and what are they made of
13 made of keratin
what are the most common crocodilian vocalization styles and their purpose
-growling: territorial
-bellowing: mating
-hissing: territorial & defense