Middle School Life Science: Fishes, Amphibians, and Reptiles - Reptiles — Flashcards

Reptiles are a group of tetrapods with an ectothermic metabolism and amniotic development. Living reptiles comprise four orders: Testudines, Crocodilia, Squamata, and Rhynchocephalia. As of May 2023, about 12,000 living species of reptiles are listed in the Reptile Database.

Modern reptiles live in many different habitats. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica.    
Many turtles are aquatic. They may live in the ocean or in fresh water. Other turtles are terrestrial and live on land.    
All lizards are terrestrial. Their habitats may range from deserts to rainforests. They may live in a range of places, from underground burrows to the tops of trees. Most snakes are terrestrial, but some are aquatic. Crocodilians live in and around swamps or bodies of water. The water may be fresh or salty, depending on the species of crocodilian.    
All reptiles are heterotrophs, and the majority eats other animals. Heterotrophs that eat only or mainly animals are called carnivores. Large carnivorous reptiles such as crocodilians are the top predators in their ecosystems. They prey on large birds, fish, deer, turtles, and sometimes farm livestock. Their powerful jaws are strong enough to crush bones and turtle shells. Smaller carnivorous reptiles—including tuataras, snakes, and many lizards—are lower-level predators. They prey on small animals such as insects, frogs, birds, and mice.    
Most terrestrial turtles eat plants. Heterotrophs that eat only or mainly plants are called herbivores. Herbivorous turtles graze on grasses, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Marine turtles and some lizards feed on both plants and animals.    
Heterotrophs that eat a variety of foods including both plants and animals are called omnivores.