Reptiles

Reptiles have scaly skin and are cold-blooded, which means they rely on the sun and their surroundings to warm up. That is why you often see a lizard or tortoise basking on a rock in the morning. Most reptiles lay eggs with tough or leathery shells, an adaptation that let their ancestors leave the water and breed on dry land long before the first mammals appeared. Today the group includes animals as different as legless snakes, armored crocodiles and color-changing chameleons, found on every continent except Antarctica.

Use this hub to explore each branch of the reptile family. Compare the slow, land-living tortoises with their swimming cousins in turtles, discover sticky-toed geckos and other lizards, or read about the crocodiles that have changed little in millions of years. Whether you are a student researching habitats or a pet owner planning a first terrarium, you will find species profiles, behavior facts and care tips for keeping reptiles healthy.