What Animals are Classified as Reptile?

Animals are classified into many separate groups or families. Those in the reptile family have special features that set them apart from other animals. Their major features include having scales, fangs and are cold-blooded. Reptiles are also considered carnivorous, and usually swallow prey whole. The list of animals in the reptile family is extensive, but here are five well-known species.

Snakes

The snake species is included in the reptile family; however, only a few are poisonous. The majority of snakes constrict their prey. They wrap their bodies around other animals and suffocate them until they cease to move. Cobras, mambas and other poisonous snakes inject toxins into prey. This toxin either paralyzes the animal or immediately kills it. Pythons are the largest snakes in the reptile class.

Crocodiles

Crocodiles are considered living dinosaurs in the reptile class. They can live in both fresh and salt water. The Nile species is the largest reptile in the world and the most deadly to humans. They lie in wait until prey comes close enough to grab. With a powerful thrust of their tail, they can lunge out of the water in seconds.

Komodo Dragons

These massive reptiles live on the islands of Indonesia. Komodo dragons are an endangered species due to hunting and loss of habitat. Although they eat mammals, they will kill and consume other reptiles. Like most animals classified as reptiles they will eat their own species.

Turtles

Turtles come in all sizes and species. They are considered one of the slowest reptiles in the world. Turtles live in many types of environments all over the world, including the oceans. Most of these reptiles live for hundreds of years if left undisturbed.

Alligators

Like their massive cousin the crocodile, alligators are dangerous reptiles that live in the water. Instead of chasing prey, they will wait for the opportunity. However, they will travel on land in search of prey or other territory. Both the alligator and crocodile have experienced very little change in over 65 million years.