Reptile vs Amphibian
By Jordyn Lewis and Zarah Punjwani
Reptiles
Reptiles are cold blooded meaning they don't maintain a constant body temperature. Most reptiles have skin covered in dry, flaky scales. Reptiles are born in land & with strong instincts so they do not have parents. They also do not go through a larvae stage. Most reptiles are born with lungs.
4 MAIN GROUPS OF REPTILES:
- Turtles & tortoises
- Lizards & snakes
- Crocodiles & alligators
- Tuatra
Amphibians
Main Groups of Amphibians:
. Newts and Salamanders
.Frogs and Toads
. Caecilins
Whats the difference?
One difference is between the structures of their skin. Reptiles are covered with scales, shields, or plates and their toes have claws. Amphibians, on the other hand, have wet, glandular skins, and their toes lack claws. Another difference is between the eggs. Eggs of reptiles have a thick, solid covering that protects the developing embryo from moisture loss, even on dry land. In contrast, the eggs of amphibians lack a hard outer covering.
How are they the same?
The brief taxonomic similarity between reptiles and amphibians consists of:
- Domain: Eukarya – Cells that contain a nucleus and other organelles encapsulated within membranes.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata - animals whose members have a single dorsal nerve cord, notochord and gill slits at some stage of development.
Respiration
Breathing is via lungs however; aquatic turtles have the ability to do a limited gas exchange underwater primarily during extended periods of cold temperature or inactivity. The gas exchange, depending upon species, is through skin, throat or the anal region where capillary blood vessels absorb oxygen. Most amphibians conduct gas exchange through skin called cutaneous respiration.
Skin
The color of the skin can be altered via the concentration or dissipation of melanin. Color alteration aids in thermoregulation and camouflage.
Longevity
80+ years is possible for both reptiles and amphibians. "Similarities Between Reptiles and Amphibians." Similarities Between Reptiles and Amphibians.