What are reptiles ?

What are reptiles ?

Snakes, crocodiles and alligators, lizards, and turtles might not look alike, but they all share certain features. These animals, plus the tuataras, are reptiles.

Reptiles are cold-blooded, air-breathing animals. Found on every continent expect for Antarctica, there are nearly 8000 species. Being cold-blooded, their bodies react to the temperature of their surroundings. When they get too warm, they can go into the water or shade to cool off. When they get too cold they can stay out in the sun to warm themselves up. Reptiles give birth to their young once by laying eggs.
Reptiles include crocodiles, snakes, lizards and turtles. They are covered with scales to protect themselves. Reptiles are capable of living on both land in water . The feet of the reptiles have claws in their toes and the body is covered with scaly skins.


Reptiles are wonderfully diverse in size, shape, colour and lifestyle. Reptiles have a long history; they have lived on Earth for over 300 million years. Reptiles are mysterious and often misunderstood; they are feared and revered.

Reptiles are among the longest-lived species on the planet. For example, large tortoises such as the Aldabra tortoise can live for more than 150 years. Alligators can live nearly 70 year. Ball pythons, a popular type of pet snake, can live up to 40 years.

Types of reptiles

Reptiles are classified in to four main groups known as orders. The four groups are as follows;

  Crocodilia    - Crocodiles, alligators
 Squamata      - Lizards and snakes
 Testudines     - Turtle and tortoise
 Sphenodonita - Tuatara


The large reptiles such as crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gavials belong to the order Crocodilia. The reptiles in the crocodilia are carnivorous and are mostly found in swamps and rivers.

The terrestrial reptiles such as lizards and snakes belong to Squamata order. The members of this species have the ability to creep with the help of their stomach. The turtle and tortoise belong to the Tstudines order. These species have bony shell with horny plates for their protection. These are mostly aquatic and are the oldest living reptiles in the world. Sphenodontia order composes of a single member called Tuatara. It is lizard like reptile found in New Zealand.

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