Reptiles and Amphibians

Ms CichonAgricultural Education

Rosholt High School

Amphibians

History

• Came from the lobe-finned fish

Characteristics• Amphibians= larval part of their life in water and their adult lives

partially or completely on land• 4,000 species exist• Have thin skin they can breathe through with the process of

osmosis– Most skins are filled with fluid-secreting glands that produce a slimy

mucus• Purpose of moisture• Prevents too much water from being absorbed into the body when the animal

is in the water• Defense

• Tongues vary considerably– None– Very long and sticky tips– Don’t have teeth

Amphibian examples• Newts

• Salamanders

• Frogs

• Toads

• Caecilians

Housing

Feeding

• Insect eaters• Salamanders prefer earthworms

Handling• Toads and Frogs- Grasp around body• When amphibians are transported they should be

placed in a moist cloth bag to prevent excess moisture loss

• Some frogs and toads produce toxins- – wash your hands before to prevent harming them and

wash your hands after you prevent harming you

• Salamanders- Run water over your hands before picking them up

• Do not grasp by tail (they release their tails)

Disease

• Frog– Red leg• Bacteria found in standing water

• Salamanders and Newts– Fungus Infection• Skin develops abrasions from handling or crawling on

rocks

Reptiles

Characteristics

• Cold-blooded vertebrates• 6,500 species

Hibernation

• Temperate zones• Hibernate during winter• Many go into hibernation for breeding– Temperature stimulates ovulation and production

or sperm

Amphibian examples

• Turtles, Tortoises, and Terrapins

• Snakes, Python, Boas

• Iguanas and Lizards

• Chameleon

Housing

4 Types1.Terrestrial habitat for reptiles that live on land2.Semi aquatic habitat for reptiles that live on

land or in trees and spend part of their time in the water

3.Aquatic habitat for reptiles that live primarily in water

4.Arboreal habitat for reptiles that live in trees

Feeding

Turtles• Eat every day• Carnivorous or omnivorous• Alfalfa, leady dark greens carrots, sweet

potatoes, green beans, peas, radishes, strawberries, cantaloupes

Snakes• Carnivores• Insects, baby mice, rats

Feeding

Lizards• Insects

Handling

• Turtle- pick up by shell• Snakes- should not be handled if frightened

(you or snake)– Grasp firmly behind the head and holding body– Allow to coil around hand

• Lizards- Never by tail– With thumb and forefinger behind head and other

hand on belly

Disease

• Salmonella• Digestible infection• Pathogenic Amoebas• Mouth Rot

Shedding

• Reptiles in good health shed several times during the year

• Normally in one piece