Questions and Answers
What characteristic describes reptiles?
What does it mean when a reptile is described as ectothermic?
Cold-blooded
How do reptiles breathe throughout their lives?
With lungs
Describe the heart structure of reptiles.
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What type of eggs do reptiles produce?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Class Reptilia
- Reptiles have tough, dry scales that protect their bodies and minimize water loss.
- They are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external environmental conditions to regulate their body temperature.
- Respiration is carried out through lungs throughout their entire life cycle, distinguishing them from amphibians, which may use different methods at different stages.
- Reptiles possess a three-chambered heart with a ventricle that is partially separated, allowing for some mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
- They produce amniotic eggs, which are encased in a leathery shell, enabling them to lay eggs in terrestrial environments; most reptiles are oviparous, while some are ovoviviparous.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the defining traits of reptiles with these flashcards! This quiz covers key characteristics such as their scales, heart structure, and reproductive methods. Perfect for students studying herpetology or general biology.
