| Reptiles & Amphibians |
Reptiles and Amphibians are ectothermic animals. This means they rely on their environment to regulate their internal body temperature. They achieve this by either basking in the sun or seeking shade. These cold-blooded animals need much less foot than their warm blooded counterparts. Amphibians were among the first vertebrate animals to live on land, however they are bound to fresh water. Reptiles do not need to absorb water. Reptile fossil remains are found on every continent. |
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| Subcategories |
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Pterosaurs
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Pterosaurs were flying reptiles ranging in size from that of a sparrow to animals with a 30 foot wingspan. |
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Turtles
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Testudines include extinct and extant tortoises, turtles and terrapins. These reptiles are found on land, sea, fresh, and brackish water. |
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Lizards & Snakes
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Lizards and snakes are reptiles distinguished by their skins, which bear horny scales or shields, and the ability to move their upper jaw relative to their braincase. |
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Crocodiles
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Crocodiles are aquatic reptiles with streamlined bodies, built for swimming, that live near or in freshwater, and occasionally in brackish or salt water. |
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Ichthyosaurs
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Ichthyosaurs, meaning fish-lizard, were ocean-dwelling reptiles who were swift predators well-adapted to hunting fish, cephalopods and other shell fish. |
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Pachypleurosaurs
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Pachypleurosaurs were small long-necked marine reptiles that lived during the Mid Triassic Period. |
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Plesiosaurs
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Plesiosaurs were among the largest aquatic animals of their time, ranging in size from 6 feet to over 50 feet long, and possessing a short tail, broad body and four flippers. |
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