5th Class Science Animals Reptiles

Reptiles

Category : 5th Class

Reptiles

Reptiles are cold blooded animals having dry skin covered with scales, found everywhere except in cold places. Reptiles warm themselves in the sun shine to be active. Reptiles are air breathing animals, though many live not only on land but also in water. They have tungs for breathing. Some water reptiles absorb oxygen in water through membrane in their mouth.

Alligators and Crocodiles

Alligators and crocodiles are larger in size. They have webbed feet to walk on the land and long tail to swim in water- They are hunters with huge and lot of sharp teeth to tear their prey. Tails are long and powerful to swim in water. An alligator has a shorter snout than a crocodile.

Alligator has a shorter snout

Crocodile teeth stick out when its mouth is closed

Lizard’s

3,000 species of lizard are there on the earth. They have four legs and a long tail. On getting unfavorable condition, they shed their tail which is again regenerated. Gila monster and Mexican beaded lizard are poisonous-

Garden lizards are found near our houses, in the garden etc.

Komodo dragon is the largest lizard

Snakes

Approximately 2,500 species of snake are there on the earth. They are found everywhere, except in Antarctica. Viper is the most dangerous snake. Its poison can kill a human being. Python and boa can coil around prey and squeeze it to death. It can swallow prey larger than its size.

Reticulated python is the world largest snake

Snakes don't have limbs and move by slithering around the ground. Snakes shed their skin if damaged and worn out. This process is called molting. Many species of snakes are found in sea. Black mamba is the fastest snake which lives in Africa. Its speed is 11 km/h. Snakes have teeth but not for the chewing and hence it swallows its prey.

Snake undergoing molting process

Turtles and Tortoises

Tortoises are very slow moving reptiles. Tortoise lives on land and turtles live in water. They have the life span of about 150 years.

The leather back is the largest of all turtle

Feeding in Reptiles

Alligators and Crocodiles are carnivorous. They eat birds, giraffes, insects, spider or anything that comes in their way.

Turtles eat aquatic creatures like snails, shrimps, sea grass and jelly fish etc.

All snakes are carnivorous that they feed on other animals.

Adaptation in Reptiles

Chameleon is a type of lizard that can change its colour to escape from the predators or to get near to its prey. Chameleon becomes dark in colour in winter and lighter in hot condition. This process is called as camouflage.

Regeneration: Lizards looses its tail to escape from predator or unfavorable condition. The broken tail is regenerated again.

Molting: Snakes shed their skin if damaged and worn out. This helps in proper growth.

Hibernation: Snakes and lizards undergo hibernation process to avoid extreme cold. They again come out from their burrows in summer.

Reproduction in Reptiles

Reptiles lay eggs in warm dry places. The heat of Sun helps in hatching the eggs. Sea turtle lay eggs on the land. They take them to water after hatching.