21 Fun Reptiles Facts: How Many Do You Know?

What Is a reptile?

Reptile are cold-blooded animals, which means they are unable to regulate their own body temperature. Because reptiles are unable to regulate their own body temperature (or keep it constant), they are generally found in warm climates. Basking on rocks or enjoying the sun. When the weather turns cold these animals must either hibernate or seek warm places to burrow or hide. Some reptiles are able to go into a state that slows everything down for them in cold weather so they’re able to survive limited exposure to cold.

Science moment: Humans, on the other hand, are an example of warm-blooded creatures that are able to regulate body temperature (or keep it constant) through the production of food and the creation of energy.

Reptile often have dry, scaly skin. Turtles, crocodiles, lizards, and snakes are examples of reptiles. Interestingly enough, even though all of these creatures are reptiles, some of these (like the crocodiles) are actually more closely related to birds than other reptiles like a lizard. Isn’t that strange?

Cool Facts About them !

1. Lizards can’t feel warm or cold the way we can. But their movements and speed are affected by the outside temperature. So for instance, while they can’t feel cold, cold will make them slow. Imagine instead of saying “I feel cold” you would simply not be able to move as quickly.
2. A crocodile needs a tenth of the food a lion does for survival. That’s why the crocodile can go up to half a year without eating, if necessary. Because of this, crocodiles can survive temporary food shortages that might kill off or cause other animals to leave an area for food. A crocodile will stay in an area long after its main food source is gone or it may look for another one. That’s the reason why when new developments are built around water, these animals may stay long after others have left due to human invasion.

1. Snakes shed from head to tail in one whole section, which you know if you ever come across a snakeskin. Some snakeskin, at first glance, almost look like the snake they came from. On the other hand, lizards shed their skin in patchy sections.
2. Most reptilians must hold their breath while swallowing. This is not the case for crocodilians. They have a secondary palate that allows them to continue breathing even while their mouth is full of struggling prey.

1. The turtles’ lungs are attached to the inside of the top of their shells.