REPTILES

 What are the characteristics of reptiles?

Most reptiles have a tail and four legs. Each leg has five claws. Their legs are short, so they drag their bodies along the ground when they move.

FDF

Snakes don’t have legs. They have a muscular body that moves from side to side.

Most reptiles have a thick skin that stops them from drying out. Snakes and lizards have scales.

Some reptiles have shells.

Body functions

Most reptiles are land animals. They obtain oxygen with their lungs.

They are oviparous. Their eggs have shells and they lay them on dry land. Many reptiles spend a lot of time underwater.

Types

There are three main types of reptiles.

• Squamata: Reptiles with scales and long tongues. They swallow their prey whole.

• Testudines: Reptiles with shells.

• Crocodilia: Reptiles with strong jaws and teeth.

REPTILES

THE BLACK MAMBA

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