Most species of reptiles eat other animals, and most lay eggs on land to breed. Reptiles alive today include lizards, snakes, tortoises, turtles, crocodiles, and alligators. One of the largest land animals ever to have lived was a reptile —the dinosaur Argentinosaurus , which was ft 35m long.
The green iguana is one of the largest lizards found in Central and South America. It lives in rain forests, in trees near rivers. This lizard is usually grayish or green in color, which provides excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. It is a good swimmer. Most reptiles have four legs, and some can run quickly to chase down their prey. Others, such as snakes, have no legs and move by pushing against the ground with their long, flexible bodies.
Like mammals and birds, reptiles have lungs and breathe air. Tax ID: Join now. Close this window. They include crocodiles, snakes, lizards, turtles, and tor- toises. All regularly shed the outer layer of their skin. Their metabolism depends on the temperature of their environment. Unlike birds and mammals, reptiles do not maintain a constant internal body temperature. Without fur or feathers for insulation, they cannot stay warm on a cold day, and without sweat glands or the ability to pant, they cannot cool off on a hot one.
Instead, they move into the sun or into the shade as needed. During cooler parts of the year they become inactive. Because of their slow metabolism and heat-seeking behavior, reptiles are cold-blooded. Reptile reproduction also depends on temperature. Only boas and pythons give birth to live young. The other species lay their eggs in a simple nest, and leave.
The young hatch days to months later. The soil temperature is critical during this time: It determines how many hatchlings will be male or female.
0コメント