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CLASS 5 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Amphibians and Reptiles: Basic Principles and Differences

How it works

Amphibians and reptiles are vertebrates that differ in many characteristics. Amphibians such as frogs, toads and salamanders usually spend part of their lives in water. Many amphibians breathe with gills as larvae; later they often breathe with lungs and also through their moist skin. Their skin is usually moist and permeable. Reptiles such as lizards, snakes and turtles live predominantly on land, have dry, scaly skin and breathe with lungs. Many reptiles lay eggs with a protective, often leathery or firm shell; some species give birth to live young. Both groups are cold-blooded, which means that their body temperature depends strongly on the environment. Amphibians need water or very moist places for reproduction, reptiles usually do not.

Note
Amphibians and reptiles differ mainly in skin, reproduction and development. Amphibians usually have moist, permeable skin and depend on water or very moist places for reproduction. Reptiles have dry, scaly skin; many lay eggs with a protective shell on land.

An example

Which statement applies to amphibians, but not to reptiles?

Many amphibians breathe with gills as larvae, reptiles do not. In addition, amphibians need water or very moist places for reproduction. The correct answer is: Many amphibians breathe with gills as larvae.

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Biology. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.