Reptiles

Reptiles are some of the most feared animals today. Smaller versions of the mighty dinosaurs that roamed the Earth many millions of years ago, most reptiles remain virtually unchanged since those times.

Reptiles are easy to identify. Instead of fur or feathers, they are completely covered in scales. They breathe air and most lay eggs. Those that do give live birth, retain their eggs inside their bodies until they are ready to hatch.

Reptiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the tiny gecko, to the mammoth saltwater crocodile. Some have shells, like turtles and tortoises, and some have adapted to life with no legs. Supernatural reptiles can you find in the online game DarkOrbit.

The rise of the reptiles is though to have occurred between 310-320 million years ago, with the oldest known fossil being found in Nova Scotia, dating back 315 million years. Sea turtles are though to be the only living oceanic reptile from the dinosaur age with birds and snakes being the most numerous and widespread representatives of the land dwellers. Snakes make up half of the 8200 known species of modern reptiles and birds, though not currently classified as reptiles, having reptilian roots have over 9000 known species.

The most curious example of reptilian adaptation is how turtles and tortoises breathe. It is a concept that has undergone much study. The rigid shell does not allow for the expected expansion and contraction required for lung breathing. It has been shown that turtles possess specialized muscles that they can use to push their bottom shells up and down to effect respiration.

Most reptiles are carnivorous, meaning they hunt and eat prey. Smaller reptiles prey on insects, while larger reptiles can take down almost any prey.

Fun Facts About Reptiles
1. Reptiles can survive in the harshest environments in the world
2. Most reptiles eat every few days and can go as long as several months in between feedings
3. Reptiles have been known to reproduce in asexual situations, meaning that some females can spontaneously produce offspring without male intervention.