Reptiles Flashcards
What is the primary method of gas exchange in living reptiles?
Through lungs
Reptiles utilize lungs for efficient gas exchange, allowing them to thrive in various environments.
What type of scales do living reptiles have to limit water loss?
Keratinous scales
These scales help reptiles retain moisture in their bodies, crucial for survival in dry habitats.
What is the term for organisms that rely on external sources for temperature regulation?
Ectothermic
Ectothermic animals, like reptiles, adjust their body temperature through behavioral means rather than metabolic processes.
Which group of reptiles has some members that returned to aquatic environments?
Turtles
Turtles are a notable example of reptiles that have adapted to life in water.
What type of egg do reptiles produce, and what is its significance?
Cleidoic egg
The cleidoic egg allows for internal fertilization and protects the embryo from desiccation.
How do reptiles primarily eliminate nitrogenous waste?
As mostly uric acid
This method conserves water, making it suitable for their often arid habitats.
What is the dominant sense in reptiles?
Vision
Vision plays a crucial role in the predatory and navigational behaviors of reptiles.
Name three sensory systems utilized by reptiles.
- Smell/taste
- Hearing
- Infrared heat receptors (in snakes)
These sensory systems aid in hunting, navigation, and environmental interaction.
List the classes of reptiles mentioned.
- Lissamphibians
- Testudines
- Sphenodontia
- Squamates
- Amphisbaenians
- Crocodiles
These classes represent the diversity within the reptile group.
During which geological period did reptilian diversification occur?
250-220 Mya (Permian-Triassic)
This period marks significant evolutionary changes leading to modern reptiles.
What type of lifestyle do most reptiles lead?
Predominantly day active
Being diurnal allows reptiles to utilize sunlight for warmth and hunting.
What is a common feeding strategy of reptiles?
Ambush predators
Many reptiles rely on stealth and patience to catch their prey.
What is the metabolic rate and digestion speed of reptiles generally like?
Slow digestion and low metabolic rate
These traits contribute to their longevity and energy conservation.
What is temperature-dependent sex determination, and in which reptiles is it observed?
In some testudines and crocodiles
This phenomenon affects the sex of offspring based on the temperature during egg incubation.
How many species of Testudines are there?
300 spp.
This diversity reflects the adaptability of turtles and tortoises to various environments.
Describe the shell structure of Testudines.
Dermal bone shell, limbs inside ribs
This unique anatomy provides protection and support for turtles and tortoises.
How many species of Tuatara exist, and what is their notable characteristic?
2 spp. - Nocturnal and predatory
Tuataras are unique reptiles with a very slow growth rate and specific breeding habits.
How many species of Crocodilia are there and what are their families?
21 spp. in 3 families: crocodile, alligator, gharial
Crocodilians are well-adapted to aquatic environments and are closely related to birds.
When did crocodilians first appear on Earth?
In the Cretaceous period (84 Mya)
Their long evolutionary history illustrates their successful adaptation.
What is the primary adaptation of Crocodilia for movement?
Heavy tail for propulsion
This adaptation helps crocodilians navigate through water effectively.
How many species of Squamates exist?
8000 spp.
Squamates encompass a vast diversity of lizards and snakes.
What unique characteristics do lizards possess?
- Limbs
- External ears
- Predatory or herbivorous behaviors
Lizards display a wide range of sizes and feeding strategies.
Fill in the blank: The majority of lizards are _______.
Small and predatory
This characteristic highlights their ecological role as hunters.
