7 Raptiles

Reptiles

Reptiles. Reptiles have lived on Earth for millions and millions of years. Now, there are over 8,000 different types. This is an Eastern collared lizard. These reptiles are found in North America.

What is a reptile? There are four main kinds of reptiles, Crocodiles and alligators are fierce hunters with very powerful tails. Snakes have slim, bendy bodies and no legs. Most snakes eat bigger animals. Lizards are usually small, with long tails. They can run very quickly. Turtles and tortoises have domed shells made up of hard, bony scales.

However different they look, nearly all reptiles... ...have scaly, waterproof skin... ...lay eggs... ...and are cold-blooded. This means that they need the sun's heat to keep their bodies warm.

Little and large. Some reptiles are tiny, and some are huge. A pygmy chameleon can fit on a person's finger. It eats flies that are almost too small for people to see. Saltwater crocodiles are big enough to attack sharks!

The Galapagos giant tortoise is the biggest tortoise in the world. It is as big as the wheel of a truck, and can live for over 100 years.