1_Intro to Reptiles

Question 1

When referring to reptiles, what does POTR (POTZ) refer to?

Answer 1

“Preferred Optimal Temperature Range/Zone”

Question 2

T/F: Sternothermal reptile have a narrow POTR, while Eurthermal reptiles have a broader POTR.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What is the primary nitrogenous waste product of reptiles?

Answer 3

Uric acid

Question 4

T/F: Reptiles are incapable of producing hypertonic urine

Answer 4

True. Reptiles cannot concentrate urine beyond that of plasma.

Question 5

What is ecdysis?

Answer 5

Regular shedding of skin.

Question 6

What are some triggers for molting?

Answer 6

Photoperioid, Growth, Humidity, Nutrition, Hormones(birds)

Question 7

What is descetesis?

Answer 7

No shedding

Question 8

What is a major difference between mammalian RBCs and reptilian RBCs?

Answer 8

Reptilian RBCs are nucleated.

Question 9

What type of disinfectants should be avoided when cleaning reptilian cages?

Answer 9

Phenol based products

Question 10

What wavelength of light is required for Vitamin D3 production?

Answer 10

UVB 290-320nm

Remember: UVB light sources should not be shined through glass because the UVB will be deflected

Question 11

About how many inches from the animal should a light source be?

Answer 11

18 inches

Question 12

What should the humidity in an subtropical reptiles enclosure be?

Answer 12

70-90%

How about Temperate and Desert climates?

Question 13

T/F: Excess & inadequate moisture can lead to integument problems in reptiles?

Answer 13

True.
Excess moisture leads to dermatitis
Inadequate moisture leads to dessication & dysecdysis

Question 14

All of the following are acceptable forms of substrate used in a reptile enclosure, EXCEPT? 
A) Newspaper
B) Cedar shavings
C) Paper towel
D) Outdoor carpet 
E) Play sand

Answer 14

B) Cedar Shavings

Other things to avoid include: cat litter, quartz sand and corn cob litter

Question 15

How large should prey be for snakes?

Answer 15

No larger than girth of the snake

Question 16

T/F: Insect eating & herbivorous lizards should have their meals dusted in calcium rich supplement.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

T/F: Adult carnivorous lizards only need to be fed every 3-7 days.

Answer 17

True.

Question 18

Fish containing excess what should be avoided in the diet of carnivorous turtles?

Answer 18

Thiaminase

Question 19

According to the presentation in class, for which reptile is it okay to serve commercial low fat, dry dog food & fish pellet to, in small quantities?

Answer 19

Carnivorous turtles.