Scaly and cold-blooded, reptiles are classified as vertebrates. These are the two characteristics that make this class of animals in the Chordata animal subclassification unique: Reptilia.
The four primary categories of reptiles are tuataras (originating from New Zealand), crocodiles and alligators (Crocodilia), turtles and tortoises (Testudines), and snakes and lizards (Squamata).
The taxonomic clade Sauropsida is thought to contain over 10,000 species of animals that are classified as reptiles.
Like all animals with cold blood, reptiles' body temperature is regulated by their surroundings. Reptiles exhibit peculiar behavior as a result, such as sitting and waiting for hours at a time. This is a method for preserving energy in cases where metabolism is low. Reptiles like turtles, geckos, snakes, lizards, and crocodiles will therefore spend hours in the sun in order to warm up. They will seek out a shaded area or go into the water if they need to cool off.
Reptiles are primarily distinguished by their scaly skin. These scales can resemble those of a snake, which are small and shiny, or they can resemble the hard, bumpy scales of a crocodile or caiman. Additionally, the hard outer shells of reptiles with hard shells, like turtles, are covered in horny scales.
The fact that reptiles lay eggs is another characteristic that sets them apart from other animal species. Reptiles are a class unto themselves, but they are not born; they hatch from an egg.
Reptilia is not the same as amphibian, despite their similar appearance. Though reptiles in both classes are cold-blooded, few species of reptiles actually like the water. Amphibians are land-dwelling organisms that possess both gills and lungs. Reptiles, like snakes, may have slimy appearances, but their skin is surprisingly dry.
Reptiles and other exotic animals are popular pet choices. A well-heated terrarium is ideal for chameleons, geckos, water dragons, and snakes. In general, fruit, greens, insects, and crickets are the foods that reptiles eat.
