Questions and Answers
Which order do turtles belong to?
Which order includes crocodiles and alligators?
Which order does the tuatara belong to?
Which suborder do lizards belong to?
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Which suborder do snakes belong to?
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What type of skull has no openings and is associated with turtles?
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What type of skull has one opening and is a precursor to mammals?
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What type of skull has two openings and led to crocodilians, lizards, birds, and dinosaurs?
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Ectothermic animals use internal processes to control their body temperature.
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What structure allows breathing while swallowing?
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What is the dorsal shell of a turtle called?
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What is the ventral shell of a turtle called?
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What protein makes up reptile scales?
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Ecdysis refers to reptiles shedding skin to grow.
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What is an individual unit of a turtle shell called?
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Turtles are the most endangered group of reptiles.
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What does yolk provide in eggs?
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What does albumen provide in eggs?
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What structure cushions the embryo in egg development?
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What is the purpose of the shell in reptile eggs?
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What role does the chorion play in reproduction?
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What is the function of the allantois in egg development?
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In reptiles, what are venom glands modified from?
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How do sea turtles navigate?
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Which order is the only group of reptiles that can vocalize?
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What type of teeth are found in worm lizards?
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Snake jaws move independently of each other.
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Study Notes
Reptile Classification and Anatomy
- Testudines refers to turtles, characterized by a hard shell.
- Crocodylia encompasses crocodiles and alligators, featuring strong jaws for capturing prey.
- Sphenodontida includes tuatara, a unique reptile native to New Zealand.
- Squamata is divided into two suborders: Sauria for lizards and Serpentes for snakes.
- Anapsid skull structure, lacking openings, is observed in turtles.
- Synapsid skulls have one opening that led to the evolution of mammals.
- Diapsid skulls possess two openings, giving rise to diverse groups including crocodiles, lizards, birds, and dinosaurs.
Physiology and Adaptations
- Ectothermic animals rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
- The secondary palate allows reptiles to breathe while consuming food.
- The carapace and plastron serve as the upper and lower sections of a turtle's shell, respectively.
- Reptile scales are composed of keratin, a robust protein.
- Ecdysis is the process of shedding skin, essential for growth in reptiles.
Reproductive Adaptations
- Turtles are among the most endangered reptiles due to habitat loss and environmental changes.
- Yolk provides essential nutrition for developing embryos.
- Albumen supplies moisture to the egg, crucial for embryo survival.
- The amnion offers cushioning for the embryo, protecting it during development.
- The shell prevents desiccation, critical for egg viability in terrestrial environments.
- Chorion facilitates gas exchange, allowing oxygen to reach the embryo.
- Allantois serves to store waste produced by the developing embryo.
Unique Characteristics
- Individual units of a turtle shell are called scutes, providing structural integrity.
- Snake jaws have the unique ability to move independently, aiding in consuming prey.
- Crocodylia is the only reptilian order capable of vocalization, allowing communication.
- Nipper teeth characterize worm lizards, adapting them for their specific feeding strategies.
- Venom glands in some reptiles have evolved from modified salivary glands.
- Sea turtles navigate using the magnetic field of the Earth, showcasing their incredible sensory capabilities.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the classification of reptiles with these flashcards. This quiz covers various orders such as Testudines, Crocodylia, and Squamata. Perfect for students and reptile enthusiasts alike!
