What makes it a reptile?
There are countless species and varieties of reptiles around the world. Although there are many differences, reptiles share some common traits.
For starters, they use their lungs to breathe. Lizards can breathe using the same muscles they use to run, and crocodiles have a more flexible diaphragm, but in general, reptiles have lungs that are more advanced than amphibians, but not as refined as mammals. Reptiles also have scales made of keratin protein. The scales provide protection from predators, help retain water, and may play a role in courtship and territorial clashes. Reptiles are not the only animals that have scales, but it is a common feature among all reptiles.
Another characteristic is that they are all four-legged vertebrates (or descendants of four-legged animals, such as snakes). This is another trait shared with other types of animals, indicating that reptiles are something of an evolutionary middle ground between amphibians and mammals. For the most part, female reptiles lay eggs, but it’s not unique to all reptiles. There are some species that develop their young inside their bodies and give birth to live young, such as the Viviparous Lizard and the Adder.
Reptiles are known for their cold-blooded metabolism. If you have ever seen a reptile in an enclosure, you may have noticed lamps and other forms of heat. That’s because basking in the heat raises their internal body temperature to give them the energy they need for daily activity.
What are the different types of reptiles?
Reptiles can be classified into four large groups:
alligator
Which has 23 different species of alligators, caimans, gharials and crocodiles.
As you may know, Crocodilia are large, semi-aquatic, predatory animals. They are commonly found in the lowlands of the tropics and generally have long, flattened snouts and canonical peg-shaped teeth. Certain crocodile species are traded as exotic pets when young, but are often abandoned as they grow older and more dangerous.
scale
Which are lizards and snakes, and they have almost 8,000 species.
These reptiles range in size (from a dwarf gecko that is less than an inch long to an anaconda that can reach over 17 feet). Their ability to move their square bones is what helps them open their mouths wide enough to consume larger prey. If you’re thinking of buying reptiles in this classification, be sure to research the specific type you want to get to ensure you have the necessary equipment to keep them healthy and happy.
assholes
Which is made up of terrestrial and terrestrial turtles and has around 300 species.
These are considered primitive as they are some of the oldest reptiles among us. Their shells make them easily distinguishable from other reptiles and they are also a popular choice as reptile pets.
sphenodontia
Which is known as the sister group to the Squamata and has only 2 species of New Zealand tuatara.
It is also known as Rhynchocephalia, which means beak head. They have a unique set of teeth that occurs as two rows in the upper jaw and a single row in the lower jaw. The only species of tuatara is the only living member of an order that flourished about 200 million years ago.
Which reptiles for sale are best as pets?
If you are just starting out with a pet reptile, you can find some great reptiles for sale. Geckos can be a great pet for beginners because they don’t require a lot of handling. However, too much stress on the gecko can cause its tail to drop. A bearded dragon can also make a great pet as they are extremely calm reptiles with personality. They require a warm habitat and are quite easy to maintain.
Whichever you choose, always make sure you learn about their needs and temperament to understand whether or not they are a good fit for you.
