A reptile is a cold-blooded, air-breathing vertebrate animal that belongs to the class Reptilia. Reptiles are characterized by having dry, scaly skin that helps protect them from predators and their environment. They are ectothermic, meaning they regulate their body temperature through external sources like basking in the sun or seeking shade, rather than generating their own heat internally
. Reptiles include animals such as turtles, crocodilians, lizards, snakes, and the tuatara. Most reptiles lay eggs on land, often burying them in sand or dirt to keep them safe and dry, though some species like certain snakes give birth to live young. They breathe air through lungs, unlike amphibians that may have gills at some life stage
. Reptiles have been on Earth for over 315 million years and can be found in a variety of habitats, both on land and in water. They are one of the five main groups of vertebrates, animals with a backbone
. In summary, reptiles are:
- Cold-blooded vertebrates (ectothermic)
- Covered in dry, scaly skin
- Air-breathing with lungs
- Mostly egg-laying, with some live births
- Include turtles, snakes, lizards, crocodilians, and tuatara
- Have existed for hundreds of millions of years
