Introduction to Reptiles: Characteristics and Diversity

Reptiles are a class of vertebrate animals known for their scaly skin and cold-blooded nature. They first appeared around 312 million years ago, evolving from Reptiliomorpha. Reptiles include turtles, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and tuatara, but are distinct from amphibians. Key characteristics include scaly skin, which provides a watertight barrier, and being ectothermic, meaning they rely on external temperatures to regulate their body heat. Reptiles lay eggs on land and do not have a larval stage, with young resembling smaller versions of adults. There are over 6,500 species, ranging from the massive saltwater crocodile to the tiny dwarf gecko, with the reticulated python being the longest.

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