Reptile Physiology Flashcards
Where are scales formed from?
epidermis
What are 4 characteristics of scales?
- dry
- scaly
- multiple layers
- prevents water loss
What are the 2 types of scales called and what is the difference between them?
Smooth: smooth
Keeled: Have a ridge in the center of each scale
What is the outer layer called on Squamates? What is it called when the outer layer is replaced gradually? All at once?
- stratum corneum
- ecdysis
How do turtle’s scutes develop?
separately, not all at once
Name 5 types of glands that reptiles can have and describe each.
- Musk: scent
- Femoral: pheromones to attract mates or mark territory
- Pre-anal: reproductive hormones
- Cloacal: scent marking
- Nuchodorsal: near neck, defense against predators
Name 5 types of epidermal modifications of reptiles.
- Claws: kerotinized, climbing
- Rattles: Part of stratum corneum but stays after ecdysis
- Horns: bony projections of skull covered with scaly integument or just modifications of integument
- Shell: Large, bony, dermal plates
- Chromatophores: cells that disperse pigment granules
Name the 3 parts of a turtle shell and how they relate to the epidermis.
- Carapace: dorsal
- Plastron: ventral
- Lateral bridges: unite the two shell parts
Name 4 reasons for chromatophores in reptiles.
- camouflage
- sex recognition
- breeding
- thermoregulation
What is the surface are for muscle attachment called in reptiles? Which reptiles have it?
- temporal fenestrae
2. snakes and lizards have 2; turtles have none
Describe the vertebrae in snakes.
- up to 500 vertebrae
- precaudal: before vent with ribs
- postcaudal: after vent without ribs
Describe the vertebrae in lizards.
- thoracic: have ribs
2. lumbar: reduced or abscent ribs
What are the 2 fused vertebrae that support the pelvic girdle, allowing some reptiles to stand on 2 legs?
Sacrum
