Reptiles have a number of specific characteristics that distinguish them from other animal species. They are mainly found in warm areas where they make good use of the sun. When the sun is too bright, they look for shelter. A number of species have certain characteristics that increase their chances of survival. This allows them to avoid predators. In addition, reptiles are specially built to hunt prey effectively. Which reptiles are found in the world? What are the most well-known species and which are less well-known? Where can the animals be found during the day?
The Origin
The first reptiles appeared about 315 million years ago. Scientists suspect that they are descended from amphibians. According to the scientists, reptiles emerged “quite soon” after the emergence of the first amphibians. Reptiles are cold-blooded animals. This means that the animals cannot regulate their own temperature. As a result, it is completely dependent on the sun to stay warm. This is also the main reason why they are largely found in warm areas.
Classification
Reptiles can be divided into several categories. Most species are fairly well known, but there are some specimens that are much less known. The following animals are the most famous reptiles:
- Lizards
- Crocodiles
- Turtles
- Snakes
The worm lizard and bridge lizard are lesser-known reptile species. The bridge lizard is a reptile that resembles a normal lizard. Despite the similarities, the animal is classified separately. Its skull has many similarities with prehistoric animal species. Because of this, it is also called a “living fossil”. The worm lizard resembles a combination between a worm and a snake. The animal has the same ridges and sometimes the same color as a worm. Its head is more similar to a snake head. This is mainly due to his eyes that are just visible.
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What Does A Reptile Look Like?
A reptile has scales on its skin. This makes his skin feel coarse. It is common for his skin to be camouflaged. Reptiles such as the chameleon can even determine their own protective color. This allows predators and prey animals to easily overlook the chameleon. This allows him to do a surprise attack. In addition, the chance that he himself falls prey is smaller. Many reptiles have the ability to closely monitor their environment.
Special Eyes
Reptiles have a so-called “spectacular” near the eyes. This means that the animal does not have to blink. The difference in what reptiles can perceive is huge. For example, snakes can see a limited amount of colors. However, they can sense infrared. Lizards, on the other hand, can interpret a high number of colors. Compared to mammals, reptiles have different cells in the iris. They contain smooth muscle cells. In addition, the pupils are more oval in shape compared to mammals.
Where Do Reptiles Live?
The animals go in search of shade during the afternoon. This happens when the sun is highest and brightest. Lizards, therefore, hide under rocks and stones for a large part of the day. Some reptiles such as turtles burrow themselves. Reptiles look for the sun again when the sun is less bright. This makes their body warmer so they can use the heat energy at night.
What Areas Do Reptiles Live In?
Most reptiles occur in countries with a tropical or subtropical climate. A reptile depends on the warm climate to survive. Most of these countries are located around the equator. Even in the Netherlands, there are a number of native reptile species. However, the snakes and lizards that occur in the Countries are rare. In total, there are only three snake species and four lizard species that occur in the Countries. Most of these animals can be found largely in the east and south of the country.
A Unique Feature
When a reptile loses its limbs, they grow back over time. This is also called regeneration. This increases his chances of survival. However, its tail cannot grow back completely. During an attack by a predator, the reptile causes it to lose its own tail. This draws the predator’s attention to its tail. He does this diversionary maneuver by breaking his own tail with a certain movement. Because his muscles pinch the veins around this area, he loses little blood. Over time, his tail only partially grows back. This has to do with his tail vertebrae that cannot grow back. As a result, his tail now looks different.
