Types of Reptiles

Reptiles are some of the oldest species alive on earth.  Dinosaurs were in the reptile family.  Turtles, lizards, snakes, alligators and crocodiles are commonly known reptiles living today.   Reptiles are cold blooded and typically live in warm climates.  Some reptiles are even sold as pets in pet stores.

Reptiles are typically scaly skinned, vertebrae creatures that live in mild to temperate climates.  The greatest varieties of reptiles live in tropical areas.  Reptiles are cold blooded, which means they lack the ability to regulate their bodies temperature.  Because of this, they tend to live in warm areas and hibernate in the winter.  Reptiles generally live on land, but some are adapted to live in water.  They reproduce by laying eggs.   Some varieties of reptiles are poisonous, but many are not.  

Types of reptiles:

Chelonia:  This order is made up of turtles and tortoises.  These creatures are marked with a bony, protective shell.  They are the oldest living reptiles.  Turtles are adapted to live in water, at least part of the time.  Tortoises are land reptiles.  

Crocodilia:  Members of this order include alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gavials.  These are large creatures that live in warm rivers and swamps.   They are carnivores and can be very dangerous if approached. They are known as the “ruling reptiles”.  Dinosaurs were in a subclass of this order.

Squamata:  Lizards and snakes are the members of this order.  There are over 3,000 varieties of lizards.  They range in size from 2 inches to ten feet.  Snakes range in size from a few inches to over thirty feet.  Most snakes live on land, above ground, but some varieties burrow underground or live in water.

Rhynchocephalia:  The tuatara is the only living creature in this order.  It is similar to a large lizard in appearance and lives in New Zealand.   

Reptiles as pets:

Some varieties of snakes, turtles and lizards are sold as pets and kept in aquariums.   The price of these creatures in pet stores ranges from under ten dollars to several hundred dollars.  Price is determined according to how exotic the reptile is.  Small turtles are common classroom pets.  Iguanas are popular pets in warm climates.