Reptiles and Amphibians: What Are They?

What are Amphibians?

The first amphibians came out of the water to live on land over 300 million years ago. Amphibians cannot tavel far from water, however, of their soft skin will dry out. Their eggs, which are like jelly, must be laid in water. Babies do not usually look like their parents, but look more like fish and have gills to breathe under water. These babies are called tadpoles. Soon they grow legs and then they can walk on land and breathe air. Some amphibians, such as toads and certain salamanders, spend much their time away from water, but they must be careful not to become too dry, and they must find water in which to lay their eggs.

Frogs, toads and salamanders are amphibians.

What are Reptiles?

Reptiles are much like amphibians in some ways, but reptiles have changed in ways which make it easier to live on land. Reptile skin is covered with hard scales which overlap to keep skin from drying out. Also reptile eggs have a tough shell which keeps them from drying out. These eggs are not laid in water, but are usually buried in the ground. Baby reptiles look much like their parents, but smaller. they do not have a fish-like tadpole stage. Reptiles have claws on their feet which help them to climb, run and dig on land. Because reptiles do not need to always be near water, they can sometimes live in places such as the desert, where it would be hard for amphibians to live. Some reptiles, such as alligators and many turtles, have gone back to living in the water, but they must still come out to lay their eggs on land.

Snakes, lizards, turtles and alligators are reptiles.