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

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.

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

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

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

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