EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Epidermal scales are horny, tough extensions of the stratum corneum. Well developed in reptiles, they are also common on exposed skin in birds and mammals. Such scales are periodically molted or shed gradually along with the rest of the stratum corneum.

Detailed explanation-2: -In reptiles, the epidermis forms a complete body covering of keratinized scales. Several times a year, this epidermis is replaced during molting. Outer skin is shed and upper cells die, dry out and form new scales. Scales are formed by folds of the integument.

Detailed explanation-3: -Reptile skin is covered with scutes or scales which, along with many other characteristics, distinguish reptiles from animals of other classes. They are made of alpha and beta-keratin and are formed from the epidermis (contrary to fish, in which the scales are formed from the dermis).

Detailed explanation-4: -Reptilian Scales Sizes of all reptiles have an epidermal part, however numerous reptiles, like crocodilians and turtles, have osteoderms fundamental to the epidermal scale. Such scales are all the more appropriately named scutes. Snakes, tuataras, and numerous reptiles need osteoderms.

Detailed explanation-5: -Epidermal derivatives are epidermal glands (unicellular and multicellular), epidermal scales and scutes, horns, digital structures (claws, nails and hoofs), feathers and hairs.