Reptile

Topic

Reptiles are tetrapod vertebrate animals characterized by an ectothermic metabolism, amniotic development, and skin covered in scales or scutes. They traditionally comprise four major orders: Testudines (turtles), Crocodilia (crocodiles and alligators), Squamata (lizards and snakes), and Rhynchocephalia (tuatara). There are approximately 12,000 extant species of reptiles found globally, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica.