Reptiles are cold-blooded animals that can survive on land and in water. There are four main groups of reptiles: crocodiles, lizards, turtles, and snakes. Crocodiles are found in tropical environments and can stay underwater for over an hour. Lizards come in many varieties and shed their skin as they grow. Turtles have a hard shell and can retract their head inside. Snakes shed their skin several times per year as they grow and are carnivorous.

1. Reptiles

2. Characteristics of Reptiles
• Cold-Blooded
• Regulate their body temperature using the
environment
• Can survive both on land and in water
• Most lay eggs
• Most have scales, none have hair or fur
• All lack external ears

3. Four main groups of reptiles
• Crocodiles
• Lizards
• Turtles
• Snakes

4. Crocodiles
• Includes Saltwater and Freshwater
Crocodiles, Alligators and
Caymans.
• Most often found in sub-tropical
environments in swamps and
rivers.
• Can regulate their body
temperature through controlling
their blood flow
• Can hold their breath and stay
underwater for up to an hour.
• One of the few reptiles that care
for their young after they hatch.

5. Lizards
• There are about 5,600 species of
lizards on Earth.
• Some species can drop their tails to
escape predators.
• They are found in every country in the
world except for Antarctica.
• Lizards don’t stop growing throughout
their lives, and shed their skin when
they outgrow it.
• There are many different lizard species
including Frill-necked lizards, Blue-
tongues, Geckos, Water Dragons,
Skinks, Chameleons and Monitors.

6. Turtles
• There are over 300 different species of
turtles including Leatherback Turtles
(the largest species), Green Turtles
and Loggerhead Turtles.
• There are around 200 species of
tortoises including the Galapagos
Tortoise, Leopard Tortoise and Yellow-
Footed Tortoise.
• Turtles and tortises have a hard,
protective shell and can they can
retract their heads inside when
threatened.
• Turtles shells are made up of 60 bones
which have fused together.

7. Snakes
• There are more than 3000 species of
snakes, with the largest being the
Reticulated Python which can grow up
to 14 metres long.
• Snakes shed their skin several times a
year as they grow.
• Snakes are carnivorous (meat eaters)
and eat insects, rodents, birds and
other reptiles.
• Snakes have very strong bodies which
allow them to move along the ground,
climb up trees and swim without the
need for legs.

8. References
• Australia Zoo. (2013). Reptiles: Check out our amazing reptiles! Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from
http://www.australiazoo.com.au/our-animals/amazing-animals/reptiles/
• BBC Worldwide. (February 20th, 2009). Curling Toes and Technological Advances- Space Age
Reptiles- BBC Animals. Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from http://youtu.be/NWH624jPW0w
• BBC Worldwide. (16th January, 2009). How Snakes Move and ‘Run’- Serpents- BBC Animals.
Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from http://youtu.be/zEto1-ZTbd4
• Bioexpedition. (2013). Facts about lizards. Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from http://bioexpedition.com
/lizards/facts-about-lizards/
• DiveAroundTube. (18th August, 2010). Sea Turtles Micro Documentary. Retrieved 12th April. 2013
from http://youtu.be/aBjIQ5szcmI
• Ducksters. Technological Solutions, Inc. (2013). Alligators and Crocodiles for Kids: Learn about
these giant reptiles. Retrieved 12th April 2013 from
http://www.ducksters.com/animals/alligatorcrocodile.php
• Globalzoo. (23rd January, 2010). The Saltwater Crocodile, part 2. Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from
http://youtu.be/UiRf_eYihS4
• Reptile Channel. (2013). All Turtle and Tortoise Species. Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from
http://www.reptilechannel.com/reptile-species/turtles-and-tortoises_all_landing.aspx
• Science Kids. (2013). Fun Snake Facts for Kids. Retrieved 12th April, 2013 from
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals/snake.html