Exploring Reptile Characteristics and Functions

Why are reptiles considered cold-blooded animals?

• They can generate their own body heat

• Their body temperature changes with the environment

• They have feathers to keep warm

• They live only in cold places

Which of the following best explains why reptiles are found in warm climates?

• They need sunlight to regulate their body temperature

• They cannot swim

• They eat only warm-blooded animals

• They have fur to keep them warm

A student observes a reptile with a long tail, four legs, and dry, scaly skin. Which group does this reptile most likely belong to?

• Snakes

• Lizards

• Turtles

• Crocodilians

Which of the following statements best compares turtles and crocodiles?

• Both have hard shells

• Turtles have shells, crocodiles have tough, scaly skin

• Both lay eggs in water

• Both are herbivores

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Explain why scales are essential for the survival of reptiles in their natural habitats. Use evidence from what you have learned.

• Scales help reptiles blend in with their environment, making it easier to catch prey.

• Scales protect reptiles from injury and prevent water loss, which is crucial for living in dry environments.

• Scales allow reptiles to fly and escape predators.

• Scales help reptiles digest their food more efficiently.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A scientist discovers a new animal with dry, scaly skin, lungs, and lays eggs on land. Based on these characteristics, to which group does this animal most likely belong? Explain your reasoning.

• Amphibians, because they lay eggs on land

• Reptiles, because they have dry, scaly skin and lay eggs on land

• Mammals, because they have lungs

• Birds, because they lay eggs

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Imagine you are comparing a snake and a turtle. What evidence would you use to explain how they are both reptiles, but belong to different groups?

• Both have moist skin, but only turtles have shells

• Both have scales and lay eggs, but turtles have shells and snakes do not

• Both have feathers, but only snakes are cold-blooded

• Both are warm-blooded, but only turtles can swim

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A reptile is found in a desert environment. What adaptations would you expect it to have, and why?

• Moist skin and the ability to breathe through skin

• Scales to prevent water loss and the ability to burrow to escape heat

• Feathers for insulation

• Gills for breathing underwater

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

You are asked to design an experiment to compare the water loss in reptiles with and without scales. What would be an important factor to control in your experiment?

• The color of the reptiles

• The temperature and humidity of the environment

• The number of eggs laid

• The type of food given

A student claims that all reptiles are dangerous predators. Using your knowledge of reptile groups, how would you respond to this claim?

• Agree, because all reptiles eat meat

• Disagree, because some reptiles, like turtles, are herbivores and not all are predators

• Agree, because all reptiles have venom

• Disagree, because all reptiles are harmless