Reptiles: Facts and List of Popular Reptiles

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What are Reptiles

Reptiles are animals in the class Reptilia. They are characterized by breathing air, laying shelled eggs, and having skin covered in scales and/or scutes. Reptiles are classically viewed as having a “cold-blooded” metabolism. They are tetrapods. Modern reptiles inhabit every continent with the exception of Antarctica.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Superclass: Tetrapoda
Class: Reptilia

Four living orders of reptiles are currently recognized

1. Crocodilia: 23 species of Crocodilia

2. Sphenodontia: 2 species of Sphenodontia

3. SpeciesSquamata: Approximately 7,900 speciesSquamata

4. SpeciesTestudines: Approximately 300 speciesTestudines

List of Popular Reptiles

Alligator Snapping Turtle
American Alligator
American Crocodile
Black Mamba
Boa Constrictor
Burmese Python
Draco Lizard
Eastern Coral Snake
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Flying Snake
Frilled Lizard
Galápagos Tortoise
Gila Monster
Green Anaconda
Green Basilisk Lizard
Green Iguana
Green Sea Turtle
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Horned Toad (Short-Horned Lizard)
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
King Cobra
Komodo Dragon
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Marine Iguana
Meller’s Chameleon
Nile Crocodile
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Saltwater Crocodile
Web-Footed Gecko

Resource by k.Pearson

My name is Kim, I am a volunteer at a local Zoo in Chicago, IL. I have been a volunteer for about 5 years now and love it. My full time job is at a vet just outside of the city. I am intrigued by the nature of animals and how they interact with one another.

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