15 Reptiles

Reptiles written by Pam Holden

《爬行动物》，帕姆·霍尔顿著

thorny devil lizard Thousands of different reptiles are found in many parts of the world. They all have rough, scaly skin that feels like leather, with patterns that help them to hide from their enemies. The scales are extra-thick pieces of skin made of tough stuff rather like our fingernails. All reptiles get rid of their outside layer of skin when the scales become old and worn out.

在世界上许多地方发现了成千上万种不同的爬行动物。 它们都有粗糙的鳞状皮肤，摸起来像皮革，上面的图案可以帮助它们躲避敌人。 鳞片是特别厚的皮肤，由坚硬的物质组成，就像我们的指甲一样。 当鳞片变老、磨损时，所有的爬行动物都会剥落它们的外层皮肤。

crocodile hatching Reptiles are cold-blooded animals that like to lie in sunny places to get warm. They don't make much noise- just squeaks and clicks and hisses. Most reptiles lay eggs, then leave them to hatch. Baby reptiles have to look after themselves as they grow up. There are four main kinds of reptiles.

爬行动物是冷血动物，喜欢躺在阳光充足的地方取暖。 它们不会发出太大的噪音——只有吱吱声、咔哒声和嘶嘶声。 大多数爬行动物产卵，然后让它们孵化。 爬行动物宝宝长大后必须自己照顾自己。 爬行动物主要有四种。

corn snake Lizards and snakes of all kinds belong to the largest group of reptiles, known as Squamata. They make their homes in trees, swamps, deserts, and caves in many countries. Snakes have no legs, so they move by sliding and slithering on the ground and along tree branches. Some are quite small, but others are long and strong, with thick bodies that can squeeze animals to death. Some kinds are dangerous, as they spit poisons and bite. They eat eggs and animals, sometimes swallowing them whole! Snakes hiss when frightened or angry.

蜥蜴和各种各样的蛇属于最大的爬行动物群，被称为鳞片目。 它们在许多国家的树木、沼泽、沙漠和洞穴中安家。 蛇没有腿，所以它们通过在地上和树枝上滑动和滑动来移动。 有些非常小，但另一些又长又壮，有厚厚的身体，可以把动物挤死。 有些种类是危险的，因为它们会吐毒并咬人。 它们吃蛋和动物，有时会把它们整个吞下去!蛇受到惊吓或生气时会发出嘶嘶声。

chameleon Lizards are fast movers that climb, jump, and run. They live in trees, rocks, and underground to hide from their enemies, which are hungry birds and animals. They feed on fruit and leaves, or shoot out their extra-long tongues to catch insects. Most people know about an amazing lizard called the chameleon. If it gets hot or cold or angry, it quickly changes its skin from green to brown or gold.

变色龙蜥蜴行动迅速，会爬、跳、跑。 它们生活在树上、岩石上和地下，以躲避它们的敌人，也就是饥饿的鸟类和动物。 它们以水果和树叶为食，或者伸出它们超长的舌头来捕捉昆虫。 大多数人都知道一种叫做变色龙的神奇蜥蜴。 如果它感到热或冷或生气，它很快就会把它的皮肤从绿色变成棕色或金色。

hawksbill turtle Tortoises and turtles belong to a group called Chelonians, which all have a hard bony shell to protect their body from bad weather and hungry enemies. These reptiles look alike, but they live in different places- tortoises crawl slowly on the land, while turtles can swim far and fast in fresh water or the sea. Galapagos tortoise Their food is different, toot because tortoises eat grass, fruit, flowers, and vegetables. Turtles feed on fish, insects, and water plants.

陆龟和海龟属于龟类动物，它们都有坚硬的骨壳来保护自己的身体免受恶劣天气和饥饿敌人的伤害。 这些爬行动物看起来很像，但它们生活在不同的地方——乌龟在陆地上缓慢爬行，而海龟可以在淡水或海洋中游得又远又快。 加拉帕戈斯陆龟它们的食物不同，主要是因为陆龟吃草、水果、花和蔬菜。 海龟以鱼、昆虫和水生植物为食。