Difference Between Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians are distantly related to each other, hence there are sometimes certain similarities between them. In both cases they are ectothermic animals, which means they are cold-blooded. They are also vertebrates (they have dorsal spines) and with the exception of crocodiles and other wineries, almost all amphibians and reptiles have a 3-chambered heart. Difference Between Reptiles and Amphibians
Despite all the above, there are some differences between these and we will tell you what they are below.
REPTILES Difference Between Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles live especially on land, although some reptiles such as alligators, crocodiles and snakes can spend a lot of time in the water; they do not live under it.
The word reptile derives from reptile and has the following meanings: “crawling”, “acting secretly”, “sliding”. Reptiles generally have dry, flaky skin. They breathe thanks to the lungs and lay eggs.
They live on all continents, except Antarctica; and they inhabit various environmental conditions.
There are more than 6,500 known reptile species. The animals in this group should sunbathe or find a warm place to go into heat and then look for a place to cool off , because as mentioned above, are ectothermic.
Reptiles crawl and crawl, which is why they have short or weak limbs; they may not even have limbs. Their eggs are hard, in some cases they lay them on the ground and in other cases they keep them in their bodies until they hatch.
They are born on earth and the young are independent from the beginning (they must find their own food and shelter). Young physically resemble adults. They grow in size, but do not undergo any metamorphosis.
They defend themselves from predators using their claws, lashing with their tails and giving tremendous bites. Some species are poisonous, like the Gila monster; among others.
AMPHIBIANS
Amphibians live both on land and in water. The word “amphibian” derives from the Greek word amphibios “ living in two elements.” The animals of this group are born in water and when they mature they develop legs and lungs, which allow them to survive on land.
The first amphibians were a crucial link in the later appearance of reptiles. They were the first animals to leave the sea to venture on land.
There are about 5,500 known species of amphibians. They live part of their life in water and the other part on land. They are vertebrates and like reptiles, they are also ectothermic.
Some examples of amphibians well known to us are frogs and toads , salamanders, newts, and caecilians.
In addition to having lungs as in the case of reptiles, amphibians have gills. Its front extremities are usually short and the rear ones long; with webbed fingers.
Generally, amphibian eggs are protected with a transparent jelly-like coating; containing mucoproteins and mucopolysaccharides. This cover absorbs water and gases. The eggs are deposited in water or in places with high humidity.
When amphibians are young, they look very different from when they reach adulthood. Young amphibians are known as larvae and as they develop, their diet, lifestyle and body shape change.
To defend themselves against predators, they use toxic secretions through their skin or bites. They do not have claws or nails.
Key differences between amphibians and reptiles
- Amphibians spend part of their life in water and part on land, while reptiles especially live on land.
- Reptiles can live in dry environments, while amphibians need to be close to moisture.
- The skin of reptiles can be hard or soft, while that of amphibians is usually soft and moist; protected by a slippery mucus discharge.
- Reptiles don’t undergo a major metamorphosis as they develop, but amphibians do.