REPTILES

Tipping the Scales: All reptiles are covered in scales, a trait that separates them from other land animals. Made of keratin, scales provide protection and prevent water loss. Some reptiles, like snakes, use them for locomotion. They can also help with camouflage or, if brightly colored, serve as a warning against potential predators.

Low Energy Animals: Reptiles are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature is regulated by their environment. Because they don't regulate their own body temperature, reptiles have few energy requirements and can go for long periods without food. They also expend less energy than warm-blooded animals and tend to move less. But move they do, mostly by crawling or slithering. Many can climb trees, and some even glide from branch to branch. Some, like sea turtles, sea snakes and crocodiles, swim through water. A couple can even run on top of water.

Deadly Dentition: With few exceptions, reptiles are carnivorous animals. Their smooth-edged, pointy teeth are designed for grabbing prey, and a backward curve ensures struggling animals don't get away. Unlike mammals, reptiles lack teeth that are specialized for chewing; instead, they tend to swallow their prey whole or in large chunks. Venomous snakes have large, hollow fangs that deliver a cocktail of toxic proteins to their victim.

The Reptile World: There are around 8,240 reptile species on the planet today. Most of these are snakes and lizards; together with amphisbaenians (limbless, worm-like lizards), they number around 7,900 species. Turtles, tortoises and terrapins (those that live in fresh or brackish water) number about 300 species. Crocodilians (crocodiles, alligators, gavials and caimans) account for 23 species, including the world's largest reptile, the saltwater crocodile. The final reptile order includes two species of tuatara — lizard-like creatures with a spiny crest that are native to New Zealand.

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  Alligator 
  Nothing escapes the strongest jaws in the animal kingdom.

  

  Crocodile 
  The next best thing to a dinosaur: meet the crocodile.

  

  Komodo Dragon 
  The world's largest lizard, with the world's deadliest drool.
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  Snake 
  Who needs legs when you've got teeth, muscles and venom?

  

  Turtle 
  Nothing gets through to this slow-moving, h