Reptile Orders
What is the order that includes snakes and lizards?
Squamata
What structure helps reptiles prevent water loss and protects their bodies?
scales
What adaptation helps desert tortoises survive long periods without water?
the ability to store water in their bladder
What role do snakes play in the ecosystem?
control rodent populations
Which reptile can live for over 100 years, including some species of tortoises?
Galápagos tortoise
Which reptile order includes turtles and tortoises?
Testudine
What structure do tortoises use to protect themselves from predators?
hard shell
Which reptile has the ability to shed its tail to escape predators?
lizard
How do tortoises help maintain healthy vegetation in their environment?
grazing on plants
Which snake is the longest in the world, reaching up to 30 feet?
python
What is the order that includes crocodiles and alligators?
Crocodilia
What is the function of the venom in some snakes, like the Gila monster?
to subdue prey and defend against predators
How do some reptiles like the Gila monster conserve water in dry environments?
specialized scales and burrowing
How do crocodiles contribute to their environment as apex predators?
regulating populations
What type of reptile can go into brumation, a state similar to hibernation?
cold-blooded reptile, like snakes or lizards
Which reptile order is known for its hard shell and slow movement?
Testudine
What helps crocodiles catch prey in the water?
powerful jaws and sharp teeth
How do crocodiles regulate their body temperature in hot climates?
basking in the sun or submerging in water
What is the role of sea turtles in marine ecosystems?
maintain seagrass beds
What is the fastest species of reptile, capable of running at speeds up to 60 miles per hour?
spiny-tailed iguana
Which reptile order has members that are primarily adapted to live in water and have webbed feet?
Crocodilia
What function do a reptile’s color-changing abilities serve?
camouflage
What adaptation allows some reptiles to survive in extremely salty environments?
salt glands
How do reptiles like lizards contribute to seed dispersal?
spreading seeds
Which crocodile is known for being the largest living reptile, measuring over 23 feet long?
saltwater crocodile