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Reptiles

What Is a Reptile?

Reptiles have been around for 300 million years, and during the age of the dinosaurs, they ruled the Earth. Those days are long gone, and those giants have vanished, but some 6,500 species of reptiles still thrive today. Crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and turtles are all reptiles. Most reptiles live on land, and most lay eggs. They are vertebrates, and, unlike any other animals, are covered in scales. They are cold-blooded, and regulate their body temperature by seeking or avoiding the sun's heat.

Reptile Features

Photo: Turtle hatchling

Sea Turtles Quiz

Sea turtles have been swimming in our oceans since the time of the dinosaurs. How much do you know about these shelled swimmers?

Photo: American crocodile emerges from the waters.

American Crocodile

Learn how hunting and habitat depletion is threatening one of the world's largest crocodile species, and what conservationists are doing to help.

Photo: Cobra vs. lizard

Video: Cobra vs. Monitor Lizard

Think you can guess who wins the day when two aggressive predators compete for the same prey?

Photo: Harlequin frog

Wildlife Filmmaker

Create your own nature films and mash-ups online using archive footage, sounds, and musical scores.

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Reptiles Right Rail

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