How do amphibians differ from reptiles ? DO YOU KNOW ?

How do amphibians differ from reptiles? DO YOU KNOW?

Reptiles and amphibians have many differences, but seem to always get grouped together. Both are ectotherms, meaning they are cold blooded. Cold blooded does not mean they like the cold, but that their temperature and metabolism are based on the temperature of their environment. If the weather is cool, the animal is cool; if the weather is warm the animal is warm.

Amphibians have a metamorphosis in their life cycle. They begin as eggs, become a creature that lives in water and then later, they come out of the water. They are ectothermic or cold blooded as are reptiles. For the most part, amphibians have rubbery slick skin that needs to stay moist. They do not have scales like reptiles.

Excessive handling of amphibians can put their lives in danger because they absorb chemicals through their skin. If you must handle an amphibian you should do so with clean, moist hands.

Amphibians eat protein, mainly invetebrates, although some frogs will eat other frogs. Male frogs and toads can extend their throat sacs and "call" to let females know they are out there. Most reptiles are very quiet.

Toads have poison glands on their shoulders. These parotid glands secrete poison which is a defense to keep other animals from eating them. Poison dart frogs also have poison which comes from their skin. Their toxins can be deadly to humans, but those same frogs are completely harmless in captivity. It is believed that the diet of the dart frog, mainly ants, is the reason that they are harmless in captive environments. They are usually fed springtails (a type of fly larva), fruit flies and crickets in captivity.

Many amphibians are endangered now because of a chytrid fungus that is threatening them worldwide. Reptiles don't seem to be effected by this fungus. The fungus appears to be moving across the world as global warming is changing habitats.

Lizards, snakes, tortoises and crocodilians that fall into the reptile category.
Reptiles are also ectotherms. All reptiles have scales, some are tiny and some are huge, but they all have scales. Snakes even have a scale called an eyecap that goes over their eyes since they have no eyelids. Reptiles also have skin, but it is under the scales.

Crocodilians and turtles all lay eggs (oviparous), but there are some snake and lizard species that have live births. Boa constrictors are an example of reptiles that have live babies. They are born in a thin membrane. The snakes then emerge from this membrane as tiny copies of the adult.

Reptiles have some amazing adaptations that keep them alive in their native habitats. Turtles have a shell that is made of keratin, the same material of our nails and hair. This shell is attached to their bone structure and is a defense to protect them from predation. Snakes eat their food in one bite. They have jaws that can expand so that large prey items can be eaten. Crocodilians have secondary eyelid called a nicitating membrane that enables them to swim with their eyes open, but protect their eyes at the same time. Chameleons have long sticky tongues that dart out of their mouths and stick to insects.