Basics
How many species of reptiles are there?
10,000
What is the definition of an amniotic egg?
an egg with an outer shell and inner membranes
What animal is in the group Sphenodontia?
tuatara
What is the purpose of teeth in reptiles?
killing prey
What is an apex predator and give an example of a reptile that fits this description
animals at the top of the food chain that have no predators - crocodiles
marine, terrestrial, freshwater
What is the shell of an amniotic egg made out of?
calcium carbonate
What are two other species besides crocodiles and alligators that are in the group crocodilia?
caiman and gharials
How do reptiles conserve water?
solid urine
Name two invasive species of reptiles
burmese pythons and green iguanas
Reptiles are found on every continent except.....
Why are they not found there?
Antarctica, too cold they are ectothermic and can't regulate their body temperature
What is the membranous sac that stores waste from the embryo called?
allantois
What unique characteristic do animals in squamata have for feeding?
the quadrate bone
Why are reptile lungs more efficient than amphibian lungs?
reptile lungs have alveoli which are air sacs that pass gases between the bloodstream and air
What is special about crocodilian and komodo dragon blood?
their blood has antimicrobial properties and they heal their wounds very fast
What are 3 adaptations reptiles have for life on land?
amniotic eggs
keratin scales
lungs
What provides a source of water to the embryo and cushions the embryo
albumen
What are 4 differences between turtles and tortoises?
How do turtles, lizard, and crocodilians differ in the ways they manage excess salt?
•Marine iguanas empty salt through nasal glands.
•Sea turtle salt glands are near their eye.
•Crocodiles have salt glands on their tongue
Give 3 specific examples of how sea turtles are threatened by humans
sea turtle meat and eggs are considered a delicacy in some cultures, sea turtles are caught at bycatch through fishing practices, hawksbill turtle shells are used for jewelry
What's a tetrapod?
descended from vertebrates with four limbs
What are the 5 functions of an amniotic egg?
•Protection from movements, predators, parasites, and drying out
•Nutrients & water
•Gas exchange (oxygen in and carbon dioxide out)
•Waste removal
Describe crocodilian digestion, and differences in their brain and heart
•Have a two-chambered stomach
•The first chamber is powerful, muscular, and full of small stones to aid digestion
•Crocodilians purposefully swallow gastroliths (stomach stones)
•The second chamber is extremely acidic (strongest in the animal kingdom) and can break down bones, feathers, and horns
•Have a more advanced brain and greater intelligence than other reptiles
•Have a 4-chambered heart (most reptiles have a 3-chambered heart)
Explain why a snake could not sense a nearby lizard for a potential meal?
Heat sensing pits can only pick up infrared heat given off by mammals or endothermic animals
What kind of species are threatened with extinction and what are 3 threats they are facing?
marine species are threatened with habitat destruction, overhunting, and predation by invasive species