Reptile Concept Map

Reptiles

I.       Crocodilia

Crocodilia includes 23 species of crocodiles, alligators, gharials, and caiman.  They can be found in North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.  Crocodilia, unlike mammals, replace their teeth continuously throughout their lives.  They lack a urinary bladder.  They also have a four-chambered heart, unlike other reptiles.

A.    Crocodiles

B.    Alligators

II.     Lizards

Lizards are the largest group of reptiles.  There are more than 5,600 species of them.  Most lizards have four legs; some lizards only have two legs.  They can vary in size from two inches to ten feet in length.  The Gila Monster and the Mexican Bearded Lizards are the only two venomous lizards.  Lizards can also be very popular pets.

A.    Wild Lizards

B.    Pet Lizards

III.    Snakes

There are 3,400 species of snakes.  Snakes do not have eyelids or eternal ears.  They also do not have legs.  Snakes can be found on all continents except Antarctica.  They can be up to 29 feet in length.  Most snakes are nonvenomous, though some are venomous.

A.    Venomous

B.    Nonvenomous

IV.    Turtles

There are more than 270 different species of turtles.  Like all other reptiles, turtles are cold-blooded.  These animals can use the pattern on their shells to blend in or camouflage into their environment.  One species of turtles is the sea turtles.  They can grow to be over six feet long and weigh 2000 pounds.  The largest sea turtle recorded was 15 feet long.

A.    Water Turtles

B.    Wood Turtles

V.     Tortoises

There are about 200 species of tortoises, including large and small species.  Large tortoises live an average of 100 years, making them the longest living animals.  These animals can be about four feet long.  An example of large tortoises is the Hood Island Tortoise.  Small tortoises range from about two to eight inches long.  An example of these tortoises is the Bog Tortoise.

A.    Large Tortoises

B.    Small Tortoises

1.    Bog Tortoises

2.    Box Tortoises