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Reptile predators are examples. Reptiles for beginners: the best choice. Reptiles examples: snakes

The descendants of extinct dinosaurs are numerous reptiles. The list of reptiles includes about ten thousand species. All of them breathe with lungs, and their skin is covered with horny scales that protect it from drying out. Only on the territory of our country there are 72 species of reptiles.

The list of reptiles includes about ten thousand species.

Class characteristic

The reptile class includes a certain group of cold-blooded animals and has a number of anatomical features. The limbs are located on both sides and widely spaced. During movement, the reptile's body drags along the ground, which does not prevent it from remaining fast and agile at the moment of danger or hunting.

In prehistoric times, this species of fauna lived in the water. In the process of evolution, they switched to a terrestrial existence due to cellular light, dry body covers and internal fertilization. In the process of growth, the animal periodically sheds.

With fish and amphibians, they are united by the body's ability to regulate body temperature according to environmental conditions. In the winter season, they lose activity and hibernate. In the southern latitudes with a hot climate, many of them are nocturnal. The dense horny cover and the absence of glands in the epidermis prevent the loss of moisture.

Distribution area

Reptiles are common on all continents except Antarctica. Their populations are especially numerous in tropical and subtropical regions.

The most viable species live on the territory of the Russian Federation. The list of names of reptiles inhabiting almost all regions of our country is quite extensive. It includes:

  1. - Far Eastern, Mediterranean, leathery, Caspian, European marsh, big-headed.
  2. lizards- gray and Caspian gecko, motley and eared roundhead.
  3. snakes- vipers, snakes, suckers and yellowbellies.

Reptiles include lizards, snakes, turtles

All representatives of this class, living in a temperate climate, are not large in size and prefer small areas for living, since they are incapable of long-distance migrations. They are characterized by high fertility. Females lay dozens of eggs. The density of livestock per hectare can reach one hundred and twenty individuals. Features of nutrition play an important role in the biological indication of nature.

Reproduction features

Reptiles breed on the land surface. Even those who spend most of their lives in the water leave their usual habitat. The mating season is accompanied by increased activity and duels of males. This is especially common in lizards and turtles.

The bulk of reptiles are egg-laying reptiles. In some species, the egg remains in the oviduct until the baby is fully mature. Such animals are ovoviviparous representatives of the fauna.


Reptiles are naturally endowed with a high ability to survive and preserve the species.

Description of individual species

Reptiles are naturally endowed with a high ability to survive and preserve the species. In the wild, there are both herbivorous and predatory reptiles. The list of titles includes:

  • turtles;
  • crocodiles;
  • lizards;
  • snake.

Turtles number about three hundred species. Distributed throughout the world. These harmless animals are often kept as pets. They are among the longest living reptiles. Under favorable conditions, they live up to two hundred and fifty years.

A strong shell protects them from predators, and body weight and size depend on belonging to a particular genus and habitat. Sea turtles can weigh up to a ton and have impressive dimensions. Among land species, there are tiny specimens weighing 125 grams and a shell length of 10 centimeters.

The head of the animal is small, which makes it possible in case of danger to quickly remove it under the shell. The reptile has four limbs. The paws of land animals are adapted for digging soil; in marine life, they have turned into flippers.

crocodiles- the most dangerous reptiles. The names of some species correspond to their habitat. The most famous of them:

  • marine or combed;
  • Cuban;
  • Mississippian;
  • Philippine;
  • Chinese;
  • Paraguayan.

Crocodiles are divided into families of gharials, caimans and alligators. They differ from each other in the shape of the jaws and body size.

lizards- quick representatives of the fauna. Most of them are small in size and have a high regenerative capacity. They inhabit different parts of the world, are well adapted to different climatic latitudes.


The main part of the lizards is small and has a high regenerative capacity.

The largest representative of the genus of lizards - komodo dragon. It is named after the island of the same name on which it lives. Outwardly, it resembles a cross between a dragon and a crocodile. They create a deceptive impression with their sluggishness. However, they are excellent runners and swimmers.

Snakes are included in the list of animal reptiles that are devoid of limbs. Due to the elongated shape of the body, the internal organs acquired an identical structure. More than three hundred pairs of ribs located throughout the body help to make flexible movements. The triangular head allows the snake to swallow its prey whole.

In nature, there are a huge number of different snakes. Most of them are poisonous. The poison of some is able to kill within a few minutes. Scientists have long learned to use snake venom as medicines and antidotes.

Snakes lacking venom glands include common snakes and pythons. The largest snake in the world lives on the banks of the Amazon and is called the anaconda. Kills the victim with the help of powerful muscles, wrapping rings around it.

Due to the pressure of water, sea snakes are deprived of a rounded shape and resemble a wriggling ribbon. They are very dangerous to humans, as they produce a highly toxic poison. Once on land, they die within a few hours. Settle in the mouths of rivers flowing into the sea. They rarely swim far from the shore.

Difference from amphibians

Compared to amphibians, reptiles are better adapted to living on land. Their muscles are well differentiated. This explains their ability to make quick and varied movements.

The digestive system is longer. The jaws are equipped with sharp teeth that help to chew even the toughest food. The blood supply is mixed, in which arterial blood predominates. Therefore, they have a higher metabolic rate.


Compared to amphibians, reptiles are better adapted to life on land.

The size of the brain relative to the body is larger than that of amphibians. Features of behavior and sense organs are perfectly adapted to life on the surface of the earth.

Unique reptiles

Among the most interesting and rare reptiles, there are those who have anatomical features unlike other species. The most remarkable representative of the unique fauna is Tuatara. It lives only in one place - New Zealand. With an outward resemblance to a lizard, it does not belong to the genus of these reptiles. The internal organs are similar to snakes.


With an outward resemblance to a lizard, the hatteria does not belong to the genus of these reptiles.

Unlike other animals, it has three eyes, and an additional organ of vision is located in the back of the head. Possessing slow breathing, she is able not to breathe for a minute. The length of the body is half a meter, the weight is about one kilogram.

Scales on the skin of a lizard

The girdle of the forelimbs is similar to the girdle of amphibians, differing only in a stronger development of ossification. The forelimb of reptiles consists of the upper arm, forearm, and hand. Back - from the thigh, lower leg and foot. Claws are located on the phalanges of the limbs.

Muscular system

The brain is located inside the skull. A number of important features distinguish the brain of reptiles from the brain of amphibians. Often they talk about the so-called sauropsid type of brain, which is also inherent in birds, in contrast to the ichthyopsid type in fish and amphibians.

There are five sections of the reptile brain.

  • The forebrain consists of two cerebral hemispheres, from which the olfactory lobes depart. The surface of the cerebral hemispheres is absolutely smooth. In the cerebral vault of the hemispheres, the primary vault is distinguished - the archipallium, which occupies most of the roof of the hemispheres, and the beginnings of the neopallium. The floor of the forebrain mainly consists of the striatum.
  • The diencephalon is located between the forebrain and midbrain. The parietal organ is located in its upper part, and the pituitary gland is located on the lower side. The bottom of the diencephalon is occupied by the optic nerves and their decussation (chiasm).
  • The midbrain is represented by two large anterior hills - visual lobes, as well as small posterior hills. The visual cortex is more developed than in amphibians.
  • The cerebellum covers the anterior part of the medulla oblongata. It is larger compared to the amphibian cerebellum.
  • The medulla oblongata forms a bend in the vertical plane, which is characteristic of all amniotes.

12 pairs of cranial nerves leave the brain. In the spinal cord, the division into white and gray matter is more distinct than in amphibians. Segmental spinal nerves depart from the spinal cord, forming a typical brachial and pelvic plexus. The autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic) is clearly expressed in the form of a chain of paired nerve ganglia.

sense organs

Reptiles have five main sense organs:

  • The organ of vision - the eyes, are more complex than frogs: in the sclera there is a ring of thin bone plates; an outgrowth departs from the back wall of the eyeball - a scallop that protrudes into the vitreous body; in the ciliary body, striated muscles are developed, which allows not only to move the lens, but also to change its shape, thus focusing in the process of accommodation. The organs of vision have adaptations to work in the air. The lacrimal glands keep the eye from drying out. The outer eyelids and nictitating membrane perform a protective function. In snakes and some lizards, the eyelids fuse together to form a transparent membrane. The retina of the eye can contain both rods and cones. Nocturnal species lack cones. In most diurnal species, the range of color vision is shifted to the yellow-orange part of the spectrum. Vision is crucial among the sense organs of reptiles.
  • The olfactory organ is represented by internal nostrils - choanas and vomeronasal organ. Compared to the structure of amphibians, the choanae are located closer to the pharynx, which makes it possible to breathe freely while food is in the mouth. The sense of smell is better developed than that of amphibians, allowing many lizards to find food that is under the surface of the sand at a depth of up to 6-8 cm.
  • The organ of taste is the taste buds located mainly in the pharynx.
  • The organ of thermal sensitivity is located on the facial fossa between the eye and nose on each side of the head. Especially developed in snakes. In pit vipers, thermolocators even make it possible to determine the direction of the source of thermal radiation.
  • The hearing organ is close to the hearing organ of frogs, it contains the inner and middle ear, equipped with a tympanic membrane, an auditory bone - a stirrup and an Eustachian tube. The role of hearing in the life of reptiles is relatively small; hearing is especially weak in snakes that do not have an eardrum and perceive vibrations propagating along the ground or in water. Reptiles perceive sounds in the range of 20-6000 Hz, although most hear well only in the range of 60-200 Hz (crocodiles have 100-3000 Hz).
  • The sense of touch is pronounced, especially in turtles, which can feel even a light touch on the shell.

Respiratory system

Reptiles are characterized by suction-type breathing by expanding and contracting the chest with the help of intercostal and abdominal muscles. The air that enters through the larynx enters the trachea - a long breathing tube, which at the end is divided into bronchileading to the lungs. Like amphibians, reptile lungs are sac-like, although their internal structure is much more complex. The inner walls of the lung sacs have a folded cellular structure, which significantly increases the respiratory surface.

Since the body is covered with scales, reptiles do not have skin respiration, and the lungs are the only respiratory organ.

circulatory system

The circulatory system of reptiles

Like amphibians, most reptiles have a three-chambered heartconsisting of one ventricle and two atria. The ventricle is divided by an incomplete septum into two halves: upper and lower. With this design of the heart, a gradient (difference) in the amount of oxygen in the blood is established in the slit-like space around the incomplete septum of the ventricle. After atrial contraction, arterial blood from the left atrium enters the upper half of the ventricle and displaces the venous blood that has flowed from the right side of the ventricle into the lower half. Mixed blood appears in the right side of the ventricle. When the ventricle contracts, each portion of blood rushes to the nearest opening: arterial blood from the upper half into the right aortic arch, venous blood from the lower half into the pulmonary artery, and mixed blood from the right side of the ventricle into the left aortic arch. Since it is the right aortic arch that carries blood to the brain, the brain receives the most oxygenated blood. In crocodiles, the septum completely divides the ventricle into two halves: the right - venous and left - arterial, thus forming a four-chambered heart, almost like in mammals and birds

In contrast to the common arterial trunk of amphibians, there are three independent vessels in reptiles: the pulmonary artery, and the right and left aortic arches. Each arch of the aorta curves back around the esophagus, and, converging with each other, they are connected to the unpaired dorsal aorta. The dorsal aorta stretches back, sending arteries along the way to all organs. From the right arch of the aorta, extending from the left arterial ventricle, the right and left carotid arteries branch off with a common trunk, and both subclavian arteries that carry blood to the forelimbs depart from the right arch.

A complete separation into two independent circles of blood circulation in reptiles (including crocodiles) does not occur, since venous and arterial blood are mixed in the dorsal aorta.

Like fish and amphibians, all reptiles are cold-blooded animals.

Digestive system

Due to the variety of food available for food, the digestive tract of reptiles is much more differentiated than that of amphibians.

excretory system

The kidneys of reptiles differ significantly from the kidneys of fish and amphibians, which have to solve the problem of getting rid of a constant excess of water in the body. Instead of the trunk kidneys of amphibians (mesonephros), the kidneys of reptiles (metanephros) are located in the pelvic region on the ventral side of the cloaca and on its sides. The kidneys are connected to the cloaca through the ureters.

The thin-walled stalked bladder is connected to the cloaca by a thin neck on its ventral side. In some reptiles, the bladder is underdeveloped (crocodiles, snakes, some lizards).

reproductive system

Reptiles are dioecious animals.

male reproductive system consists of a pair of testes that are located on the sides of the lumbar spine. From each testicle, a seminal canal departs, which flows into the wolfian canal. With the advent of the trunk kidney in reptile wolfs, the canal in males acts only as a vas deferens and is completely absent in females. The Wolffian duct opens into the cloaca to form the seminal vesicle.

female reproductive system represented by the ovaries, which are suspended on the mesentery to the dorsal side of the body cavity on the sides of the spine. The oviducts (Müllerian canals) are also suspended from the mesentery. In the anterior part of the body cavity, the oviducts open with slit-like openings - funnels. The lower end of the oviducts opens into the lower part of the cloaca on its dorsal side.

Lifestyle

Development

Fertilization is internal.

Nutrition

Most reptiles are carnivores. Some (for example, agamas, iguanas) are characterized by a mixed diet. There are also almost exclusively herbivorous reptiles (land turtles).

Economic importance

The value of reptiles for humans is relatively small. The skin of crocodiles, large snakes and lizards is used in the leather industry for the manufacture of suitcases, belts, shoes, etc., however, these items are exclusive, being a luxury item. The meat of some turtles and eggs are eaten. Snake venom is used in medicine. Many snakes are useful in exterminating rodents, and lizards are insects. Some types of reptiles are kept as pets.

Poisonous snakes pose a great danger to people, especially in tropical countries. Large crocodiles are dangerous to humans, causing damage to livestock. Many turtles harm fisheries.

Origin of reptiles

The first representatives of reptiles - cotylosaurs - are known from the Middle Carboniferous. By the end of the period, animal-like reptiles appear, which in the Permian period settled almost throughout the land, becoming the dominant group among reptiles. In the Mesozoic era, the flowering of reptiles begins, among the representatives there is the greatest diversity. There is a development of sea and river reservoirs, as well as airspace. In the Mesozoic, the formation of all groups of reptiles occurs. The last group - snakes - formed in the Cretaceous.

At the end of the Cretaceous period, there is a sharp decrease in the number of reptile species. Modern science cannot yet unequivocally indicate the causes of extinction.

Classification

There is a lot of obscurity in the classification of reptiles, largely because most of them have died out. Below is one of the possible options.

  • Subclass Anapsida ( Anapsida)
    • Turtles ( testudines or Chelonia)
    • †Cotylosaurs ( Cotylosauria)
    • † Seymouriomorphs ( Seymouriomorpha)
  • Subclass Proganosaurus ( Proganosauria)
    • † Mesosaurus ( Mesosauria)
  • Subclass Ichthyopterygia ( Ichtyopterygia)
    • †Ichthyosaurs ( Ichthyosauria)
  • Subclass Synaptosaurs ( Synaptosauria or Euryapsida)
    • † Protorosaurs ( Protorosauria)
    • †Sauropterygium ( Sauropterygia)
  • Subclass Lepidosaurs or scaly lizards ( Lepidosauria)
    • † Eosuchia ( Eosuchia)
    • beakheads or proboscis ( Rhynchocephalia)
    • scaly ( Squamata): lizards and snakes
  • Subclass Archosaurs ( Archosauria)
    • †Thecodonts ( Thecodontia) - became extinct, gave rise to other representatives of this subclass and, possibly, birds
    • Crocodiles ( Crocodylia or crocodilia)
    • †Pterosaurs or flying lizards ( Pterosauria): pterodactyls, etc.
    • † Lizard dinosaurs ( Saurichia) - became extinct, possibly gave rise to birds
    • †Ornithischian dinosaurs ( Ornithischia)
  • Subclass Animals, or synapsids, or theromorphs ( synapsida or Theromorpha) - became extinct, but gave rise to mammals.
    • † Pelycosaurs ( Pelycosauria)
    • †Therapsids ( Therapsida)

The class of vertebrates that occupy an intermediate position between amphibians and mammals is called reptiles (reptiles). They have a greater resemblance to birds. This class includes the following animals on the list:

  • crocodiles;
  • turtles;
  • snakes;
  • lizards;
  • dinosaurs (fossil form of animals of the Mesozoic era).

General characteristics of reptiles

Like amphibians, reptiles are cold-blooded creatures. In other words, their body temperature is determined by the surrounding space. To some extent, reptiles are able to regulate their temperature by covering themselves from hypothermia. For example, in the winter season, animals hibernate, and during periods of intense heat, they begin to hunt at night.

Reptiles have hard skin covered with scales. The main task of which is to protect the body from drying out. For example, in turtles the upper protection is provided by a strong shell, crocodiles have hard plates of bone origin on their heads and backs.

Reptiles breathe only through the lungs. In some animal species, the lungs are the same size and equally developed, while in others, such as snakes and lizards, the right lung is larger and is located throughout the body cavity. Turtles have fixed ribs due to the shell, so the ventilation of the body is organized in a different way. Air enters the lungs with the swinging movements of the front legs or with intensive swallowing.

The bone skeleton of reptiles is well developed. The number and shape of the ribs depends on the specific species, but all representatives of the class have them. Almost all turtles have fused bone plates of the shell and spine. snakes have ribs designed for active crawling. In lizards, the ribs serve to support fan-shaped membranes for planning in the air.

Most reptiles have a short tongue that cannot protrude. Snakes and lizards have a long tongue, divided in two, which is able to protrude far from the mouth. For this animal species, these are the most important sense organs.

To protect against the environment, small reptiles have an original coloration. Turtles are protected by a dense shell. Some snakes are venomous.

In terms of reproductive organs, reptiles have similarities with birds. As a rule, reptiles are egg-laying animals. But in some species, until hatching, the eggs remain inside at the site of the oviduct. This type includes some species of lizards and vipers.

Classification of reptiles and their distribution

Modern reptiles are divided into four divisions:

  • turtles (about 300 species);
  • crocodiles (25 species);
  • scaly (about 5500 species of lizards and snakes);
  • tuatara (tuatara).

The last detachment belongs to the only representative of beak-winged animals among reptiles.

reptiles distributed throughout the world. The largest number is seen in warm areas. In regions with a cold climate and a lack of woody vegetation, reptiles are practically not found. Representatives of this class live on land, in water (fresh and salty) and in the air.

ancient fossil reptiles

Reptiles have been known since the Carboniferous. They reached their largest sizes in the Permian and Triassic periods. At the same time, an increased multiplication of animals was observed, which populated all new territories. In the Mesozoic era, the dominance of reptiles was overwhelming, both on land and in water. This period is not in vain called the age of reptiles.

Turtles

Turtles are one of the most famous types of reptiles. There are both marine and land representatives of animals. The species is distributed throughout the world. Animals can also keep at home. The oldest representatives of turtles were discovered 200 million years ago. Scientists believe that they originated from a primitive species of cotilosaurs. Turtles are practically harmless animals, they are not dangerous to humans.

Animals of this species have a shell of a bone structure. Outside, it is formed by numerous individual elements of horny tissue, which are connected using plates. Lungs function perfectly for breathing of land turtles. Aquatic representatives of the class breathe with the help of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. The main feature of these animals is longevity. The average age of turtles exceeds the lifespan of any other reptile.

crocodiles

Animals are one of the most dangerous types of reptiles. The origin of crocodiles is associated with ancient reptiles, the size of which exceeded 15 meters in length. Scientists have been able to find the remains of ancient crocodiles on all continents of the globe. Modern representatives of this class have more familiar sizes. But among reptiles, they still remain the largest species.

Almost all the time crocodiles are in the water. Only the ears, nose and eyes of the animal appear on the surface. Crocodiles swim with webbed tails and paws. But at great depths, only single representatives of the class can exist - a combed species. Crocodile nests are located on land. In some cases, they also crawl out of the water to bask.

Reptiles have a strong powerful tail, and are also characterized by a high speed of movement on land. Therefore, crocodiles are extremely dangerous to humans. A sharp, unexpected throw can take people by surprise. Alligators are considered the most dangerous representatives of crocodiles.

Chameleons

This type of lizard is known to almost everyone. Reptiles are known for their unique coloration, which acts as a camouflage. The skin of an animal can change its color depending on environmental conditions. Chameleons live in trees. Some people keep these cute creatures at home.

Reptiles are quite whimsical in care. They need a spacious terrarium, which is equipped with special lamps. You will need a tree, a small pond, floor heating and excellent ventilation. Chameleons feed on insects. Therefore, the owners will also have to take care of their presence.

iguanas

Currently, there are more and more lovers of pets - iguanas. This representative of the lizards also requires special care. Iguanas must be kept in a special terrarium that can maintain a certain temperature regime. From food, domestic iguanas prefer fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as greens. With good care and the creation of optimal living conditions, lizards at home can grow quite large. Maximum iguana weight - 5 kg. Keeping such a pet at home is difficult, it will require a large financial injection, as well as significant labor costs.

Iguanas are among those rare reptile species that molt. Most reptiles experience this period in two days, while in iguanas it stretches for several weeks.

monitor lizards

There are about 70 species of monitor lizards. They live in different areas. The size of the animals is very impressive. In short-tailed monitor lizards, the length is about 20 cm, while in other representatives it is much longer (about 1 meter). Komodo species are considered the largest monitor lizards. Their dimensions reach three meters in length, and their weight is 1500 kg. No wonder these animals are called modern dinosaurs.

Monitor lizards are covered with large scales. They have strong paws with a tenacious grip and powerful long tail. The tongue of the animal is also large in size, at the end it is divided in half. Lizards can only smell with their tongues. The color of animals is dominated by gray and brown shades. Young representatives of the class are often found with spotted or striped scales. Monitor lizards live in regions with a warm climate. They are most commonly found in Australia, Africa and southern Asia. Depending on the habitat, monitor lizards are divided into two types. The first of them lives in a desert area with dry trees and shrubs. And the second is located closer to tropical forests and reservoirs. Some representatives of monitor lizards live on tree branches.

geckos

Unique representatives of reptiles that are able to stick to any surface, even the smoothest. Geckos can climb smooth glass walls, hang from ceilings, and many other interesting things. The lizard is able to stay on the surface with just one paw.

snakes

These are well-known representatives of reptiles. The main difference from other species is the shape of the body. Snakes have a long body, but do not have paired limbs, eyelids, and an external auditory meatus. Some of these characteristics are present in individual species of lizards, but collectively such characteristics are observed only in snakes.

Serpentine The body is made up of three elements:

  • head;
  • body;
  • tail.

Some representatives have retained rudimentary forms of limbs. A large number of snake species are venomous. They have furrowed or canalized teeth that contain venom. This dangerous liquid comes from the salivary glands of the animal. All internal organs of the snake differ from standard indicators. They have an oblong shape. Animals do not have a bladder. There is in front of the eyes cornea, which was formed from fused eyelids. Diurnal snakes have transverse pupils, while nocturnal snakes have vertical pupils. Because Animals do not have an auditory canal, so only loud sounds are heard for them.

snakes

These are representatives of one of the varieties of snakes. Their main feature is that they are not poisonous. Snakes have bright scales with a large ribbed surface. Animals are common near water bodies. They feed on amphibians and fish. Sometimes snakes manage to catch a bird or a small mammal. Such snakes do not kill their prey, they swallow it whole.

If the snake sensed danger, then it pretending to be dead. And when attacked, a liquid with an extremely unpleasant odor is released from the mouth. Snakes breed on vegetable soils covered with wet moss or natural debris.

The list of modern reptiles can be continued for a very long time. All representatives of the class have certain similarities characteristic of this type of animal, as well as clear differences. Such animals are of great interest to scientists and hobbyists from all over the world. Their unique features can tell a lot.

Reptiles are what kind of animals? They belong to the class of vertebrates occupying a place between amphibians and mammals. We also call them reptiles. Reptiles is a list of names below:

- dinosaurs (fossil form);
- lizards;
- turtles;
- snakes;
- crocodiles.

Lifestyle


reptiles adapt to the ambient temperature, being cold-blooded. In order not to freeze during the cold season, some may fall into seasonal hibernation. When temperatures are too high, they are more active at night. The skin of reptiles is tough, covered with scales. The main task of the scales is to protect from drying out. Turtles have a strong shell, while crocodiles have hard plates on their backs and heads. The bone skeleton is well developed in these animals. The ribs of snakes are designed so that they crawl with ease. The tongue of most reptiles is short. Only lizards and snakes have a long, forked, protruding mouth. The reproductive organs are similar to those of birds. In some, the eggs remain inside until hatching.

Reptiles Examples: Lizards

Lizards are the largest group of reptiles. So sometimes they call all reptiles with legs, except for crocodiles, turtles. However, it is worth highlighting real lizards, related species.


Real lizards are small or slightly larger than average. In length, they reach a maximum of 80 cm, although mostly 20-40 cm. Their body, limbs, and color are adapted to their habitat. The desert representatives have long toes on their paws that have lateral teeth that do not allow them to fall into the sand. Interestingly, in case of danger, the lizard itself breaks its tail to distract the attacker. While the mistress is running away, the tail continues to writhe, distracting the predator. Males are larger than females, brighter colored. The color is dominated by green, gray, brown colors. Deserts are painted yellow. Most lizards do not make sounds. Only Stehlina and Simona, who live in the Canary Islands, squeak in case of danger.

area

They live mainly in Europe, Africa, Asia. They were brought to North America. You can see a lizard in the forest, in the meadow, in the desert, steppe, or even in the garden. These reptiles instantly climb low bushes, crawl along tree trunks, grass stalks. Nimble, maneuverable, they move with ease on a vertical surface.

Lizards are active early in the morning or at sunset. Less mobile during the day. Very cautious, immediately freeze, only sensing danger. When a suspicious object approaches, they run away. Interestingly, desert species instinctively raise their paws in turn, so as not to get burned from hot sand.


Nutrition

This species of reptiles feeds on invertebrates. Larger representatives can catch a small rodent, a snake or eat bird masonry. They love to feast on spiders, butterflies, grasshoppers. Snails, worms are rare but found in their diet. Some species do not disdain the fruits of plants.

Protection from enemies


These beauties are hunted by snakes, large birds. Lizards use several methods to protect themselves: fast running, freezing, disguise. Interestingly, it is almost impossible to throw a lizard that has been hiding from a bush. If caught, then instantly discards the tail or bites hard. It can grab its own leg, twist into a ring - an excellent defense against a snake, because in this form the latter will not be able to swallow prey.

Reptiles examples: turtles

We continue our acquaintance with reptiles, the list of names continues turtles - the most famous types of reptiles. There are land and sea. Distributed throughout the world. You can keep them as a pet.



Description of turtles

The shell has a bone structure. The respiratory organ is the lungs. Aquatic animals absorb air through the mucous membrane of the pharynx. The main difference from other reptiles is longevity. The largest representatives of this species are marine. The length of the shell of the largest is 2 m, and it weighs more than 900 kg. The smallest turtle is only 10 cm long.

reproduction

To lay eggs, the female makes a pitcher-shaped hole. Then the expectant mother falls asleep, carefully compacts the masonry. Depending on the variety, the number of eggs ranges from one to two hundred.

Character

These reptiles are solitary in nature. Communicate with their own kind only during the mating season. Land animals mainly use plants as food, but freshwater ones are predators. It happens that babies can lead a predatory lifestyle, and as adults, switch to plant foods.

Reptiles examples: snakes

The main difference from other reptiles is the shape of the body

In the torso of these reptiles we will find three elements: the head, the body itself, and the tail. They do not have limbs, eyelids, external auditory canal.


Differences from reptiles

Most snakes are venomous. The poison is in the teeth. The internal organs of these reptiles are very different. For example, there is no bladder. There is a cornea on the eyes. Nocturnal representatives have a transverse pupil, while nocturnal representatives have a vertical pupil. They can only hear loud sounds.

Separately, it is worth highlighting already

These snakes are not poisonous. The scales are painted in a bright color. They live near water bodies. They feed on fish, can catch small mammals. They swallow their prey whole. If he already sensed danger, he freezes, when the enemy approaches, he emits a smelly liquid from his mouth. Reptiles breed on plant soil.

Reptiles Examples: Crocodiles


The most dangerous kind reptiles. The size of the ancient representatives exceeded 15 meters in length. Remains have been found on all continents. Modern crocodile is much smaller, but they are still the largest reptiles.


Way of life

Most of the time they are in the water. On the surface, only the organs of vision, hearing, nose. The tail and paws are webbed, which allows them to swim well. However, crocodiles do not swim to great depths. These reptiles build their nests on land. They only come out of the water to warm up. They have a powerful tail, move quickly in water and on land. They attack unexpectedly. Therefore, they are extremely dangerous for humans.


Reptiles, list: to summarize

In total, more than six thousand reptiles are known to man, which are distributed throughout the globe. They mainly live on land. They are best suited for a warm climate with moderate humidity. However, among the reptiles there are desert dwellers. Most representatives of snakes, crocodiles are very dangerous for human life. However, there are benefits from these reptiles. For example, scientists have learned to use snake venom for medicinal purposes. It increases blood clotting, preparations based on it reduce pain in rheumatism, neuralgia. More than two thousand snakes are not poisonous at all, but they feed on harmful rodents, reducing their number in their habitat. Expensive haberdashery products are made from crocodile skin. Reptile meat is also used as food and is considered a delicacy. Eggs and turtle meat are valued in this sense.


Reptiles, like any other, can pose some danger to humans, only if they behave incorrectly. In the modern world, you can admire an alligator or a rattlesnake without fear for your own life. Meeting in real life practically does not threaten us with them.















reptiles- typical terrestrial animals and the main way of their movement is crawling, crouching on the ground. The most important features of the structure and biology of reptiles helped their ancestors leave the water and spread widely over the land. These features are primarily internal fertilization And oviposition, rich in nutrients and covered with a dense protective shell, which contributes to their development on land.

The body of reptiles has protective formations in the form scales, dressing them with a continuous cover. The skin is always dry, evaporation through it is impossible, so they can live in dry places. Reptiles breathe exclusively with the help of lungs, which, compared with the lungs of amphibians, have a more complex structure. Intensive breathing with the lungs became possible due to the appearance of a new part of the skeleton in reptiles - chest. The chest is formed by a series of ribs connected on the dorsal side to the spine, and on the abdominal side to the sternum. The ribs, due to special muscles, are mobile and contribute to the expansion of the chest and lungs during inhalation and their subsidence at the moment of exhalation.

Changes in the structure of the respiratory system are closely related to changes in blood circulation. Most reptiles have a three-chambered heart and two circles of blood circulation (as in amphibians). However, the structure of the reptile heart is more complex. In his ventricle there is a septum, which, at the moment of contraction of the heart, almost completely divides it into the right (venous) and left (arterial) halves.

Such a structure of the heart and other than in amphibians, the location of the main vessels strongly delimits the venous and arterial flows, therefore, the body of reptiles is supplied with blood that is more saturated with oxygen. The main vessels of the systemic and pulmonary circulations are typical of all terrestrial vertebrates. The main difference between the pulmonary circulation of amphibians and reptiles is that the skin arteries and veins have disappeared in reptiles and the pulmonary circulation includes only the pulmonary vessels.

About 8,000 living reptile species are known, living on all continents except Antarctica. Modern reptiles are divided into groups: primordial lizards, scaly, crocodiles And turtles.

Reproduction of reptiles

Fertilization in land reptiles internal: the male injects spermatozoa into the cloaca of the female; they penetrate the egg cells, where fertilization occurs. In the body of the female, eggs develop, which she lays on land (buries in a hole). Outside, the egg is covered with a dense shell. The egg contains a supply of nutrients, due to which the development of the embryo occurs. Not larvae emerge from the eggs, as in fish and amphibians, but individuals capable of independent life.

Primal Lizard Squad

TO primordial lizards refers to "living fossil" - tuatara- the only species that has survived to our time only on small islands near New Zealand. This is a sedentary animal, leading a predominantly nocturnal lifestyle and similar in appearance to a lizard. Hatteria in its structure has features that make reptiles related to amphibians: the vertebral bodies are biconcave, a chord is preserved between them.

Joy of the scaly

typical representative scaly - quick lizard. Its appearance indicates that it is a terrestrial animal: five-fingered limbs do not have swimming membranes, fingers are armed with claws; the legs are short, in connection with which the body, when moving, seems to be crawling along the ground, now and then in contact with it - groveling (hence the name).

lizards

Although the legs of the lizard are short, it can run fast, nimbly eluding pursuers into its burrow or climbing a tree. This was the reason for her name - nimble. The head of the lizard is connected to the cylindrical body with the help of the neck. The neck is poorly developed, but still gives the head of the lizard some mobility. Unlike a frog, a lizard can turn its head without turning its whole body. Like all land animals, it has through nostrils, and eyes have eyelids.

Behind each eye, in a small depression, is the tympanic membrane, connected to the middle and inner ear. From time to time, the lizard protrudes from its mouth a long, thin, forked tongue at the end - the organ of touch and taste.

The body of the lizard, covered with scales, rests on two pairs of legs. The shoulder and thigh bones are parallel to the ground, causing the body to sag and drag along the ground. Attached to the thoracic vertebrae are the ribs that form the rib cage, which protects the heart and lungs from injury.

The digestive, excretory and nervous systems of the lizard are basically similar to the corresponding systems of amphibians.

Respiratory organs - lungs. Their walls have a cellular structure, which greatly increases their surface. The lizard does not have cutaneous respiration.

The brain of a lizard is better developed than that of amphibians. Although it has the same five sections, but the hemispheres of the forebrain are larger in size, the cerebellum and medulla oblongata are much more massive.

The quick lizard is very widely distributed from the Black Sea to the Arkhangelsk region, from the Baltic Sea to Transbaikalia. In the north, it gives way to a viviparous lizard similar to it, but more adapted to the cold climate. Many different species of lizards live in the southern regions. Lizards live in minks, which in summer weather leave in the morning and evening, but no further than 10-20 m from the mink.

They feed on insects, slugs, and in the south - locusts, caterpillars of butterflies and beetles. During the day, one lizard can destroy up to 70 insects, plant pests. Therefore, lizards deserve protection as very useful animals.

The temperature of the body of the lizard is unstable (the animal is active only in the warm season), it drops sharply even if a cloud runs into the sun. With a longer decrease in temperature, the lizard loses mobility and stops eating. For the winter, she hibernates; can tolerate freezing and cooling of the body to -5 °, -7 ° C, while all the vital processes of the animal are significantly slowed down. Gradual warming returns the lizard to an active life.

In addition to the quick and viviparous lizard, there are many other types of lizards. Distributed in Ukraine and the Caucasus large green lizard: in desert areas - agama lizards with a long flexible and non-brittle tail.

predatory lizard gray monitor lizard living in the deserts of Central Asia. Its length is up to 60 cm. The monitor lizard eats arthropods, rodents, eggs of turtles and birds. The largest specimens of monitor lizards, discovered by herpetologists (a science that studies reptiles) on the island of Komolo, reach 36 cm. In the northern regions, a legless lizard is common - spindle.

Chameleons

Chameleons in appearance they resemble medium-sized lizards, with a helmet-like outgrowth on the head and a body compressed from the sides. It is a highly specialized animal adapted to an arboreal lifestyle. His fingers are fused like pincers, with which he tightly wraps around the branches of trees. The long and prehensile tail is also used for climbing. The chameleon has a very peculiar eye structure. The movements of the left and right eyes are not coordinated and independent of each other, which gives some advantages when catching insects. An interesting feature of the chameleon is its ability to change the color of the skin - a protective device. Chameleons are common in India, Madagascar, Africa, Asia Minor and southern Spain.

snakes

The squamous order, in addition to lizards, includes snakes. Unlike chameleons, snakes are adapted for crawling on their stomachs and for swimming. In connection with wave-like movements, the legs gradually completely lost the role of organs of movement, only some snakes preserved their rudiments (boa constrictor). Snakes move by bending their legless bodies. Adaptability to crawling manifested itself in the structure of the internal organs of snakes, some of them completely disappeared. Snakes have no bladder and only one lung.

They see snakes badly. Their eyelids are fused, transparent and cover their eyes like a watch glass.

Among the snakes there are non-venomous and poisonous species. The largest non-venomous snake - boa- lives in the tropics. There are boas up to 10 m long. They attack birds and mammals, suffocate their prey by squeezing it with their body, and then swallow it whole. Large boas living in tropical forests are also dangerous for humans.

Of the non-venomous snakes are widespread snakes. The ordinary one is already easily distinguished from poisonous snakes by two orange crescent spots on the head and round pupils of the eyes. He lives near rivers, lakes, ponds, eating frogs, and sometimes small fish, swallowing them alive.

Venomous snakes are viper, cobra, or spectacle snake, rattlesnake and etc.

Viper easily recognizable by the long zigzag dark stripe running along the back. In the upper jaw of the viper are two poisonous teeth with tubules inside. Through these tubules, a poisonous liquid secreted by the salivary glands of the snake enters the wound of the victim, and the victim, such as a mouse or a small bird, dies.

Destroying a huge number of mice and locusts, vipers benefit humans. However, their bites can cause long-term illness and even death in animals and even humans. The venom of snakes such as asian cobra, american rattlesnake.

The wounds formed when a person is bitten by a snake look like two red dots. A painful swelling quickly develops around them, gradually spreading throughout the body. A person develops drowsiness, cold sweat appears, nausea, delirium appear, in severe cases death occurs.

When a person is bitten by a venomous snake, urgent first aid measures must be taken, remove excess poison near the wound with blotting paper, cotton wool or a clean cloth, if possible, disinfect the bite site with manganese solution, strictly protect the wound from contamination, give the victim strong tea or coffee, and ensure peace. Then get him to the hospital as soon as possible for an emergency injection of anti-snake serum. Where there are poisonous snakes, you can not walk barefoot. Care must be taken when picking berries, protecting your hands from snake bites.

Otrad crocodiles

crocodiles- These are the largest and most highly organized predatory reptiles, adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, living in tropical countries. Nile crocodile spends most of his life in the water, where he swims perfectly, using a strong, laterally compressed tail, as well as hind limbs that have swimming membranes. The eyes and nostrils of the crocodile are elevated, so it is enough for him to put his head out of the water a little and he already sees what is happening above the water, and also breathes atmospheric air.

On land, crocodiles are not very agile and, in case of danger, rush into the water. They quickly drag their prey into the water. These are various animals that the crocodile lies in wait for at watering places. It can also attack humans. Crocodiles hunt mainly at night. During the day, often large and in groups lie motionless on the shallows.

Turtle Squad

Turtles differ from other reptiles in well-developed strong shell. It is formed from bone plates, covered on the outside with horny substance, and consists of two shields: the upper convex and the lower flat. These shields are connected to each other from the sides, and there are large gaps in front and behind the junctions. The head and forelimbs are exposed from the front, and the hind limbs from the back. Almost all aquatic turtles are predators, land turtles are herbivores.

Turtles usually lay hard-shelled eggs on land. Turtles grow slowly, but they are among the centenarians (up to 150 years). There are giant turtles (soup turtle up to 1 m long. Weight - 450 kg. Bog turtle - up to 2 m and up to 400 kg). They are commercial objects.

Meat, fat, eggs are used for food, and a variety of horn products are made from the shell. We have one kind of turtle - bog turtle lives up to 30 years. It hibernates for the winter.