AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Reptiles have a tough, dry, scaly skin that protects them from predators and allows them to live in dry places by reducing water loss. Reptilian scales are made of keratin, like hair, and found in an overlapping arrangement. This creates a sort of environmental shield for the animal.

Detailed explanation-2: -Reptiles are a class of vertebrates made up mostly of snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocodilians. These animals are most easily recognized by their dry, scaly skin.

Detailed explanation-3: -Herpetology is the study of amphibians (e.g., frogs and salamanders) and reptiles (e.g., snakes, alligators, turtles, and lizards). Amphibians and reptiles are ectotherms that control their body temperature through external sources such as basking in the sun to warm up.

Detailed explanation-4: -In vertebrates, endothermy is typically associated with birds and mammals while fishes, amphibians, and reptiles are generally typified as ectotherms.