What is the Difference Between Reptile and Amphibian?

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The main differences between reptiles and amphibians are:

  1. Skin: Reptiles have scales, and their skin is dry. Amphibians do not, and their skin is often moist with mucus, which keeps them from drying up.
  2. Eggs: Reptile eggs are fertilized internally and usually laid on dry land, while amphibian eggs are fertilized after being laid in water. Reptile eggs are coated with a leathery or brittle coating, and the animals that hatch from them are miniature versions of the full-sized animals.
  3. Relationship with water: Amphibians need water in their habitat, while reptiles do not.
  4. Behavior: Amphibians have different behaviors compared to reptiles. They have a dual life both on land and underwater, and they are more likely to be spotted in the spring and summer, whereas reptiles are often found basking on dry surfaces. Amphibians are generally more slow-moving than reptiles.
  5. Habitats: Amphibians and reptiles inhabit different areas, with amphibians being found near water sources and reptiles being more widespread. However, both reptiles and amphibians can be found on every continent in the world except Antarctica.

In summary, reptiles and amphibians differ in their skin type, egg-laying processes, relationship with water, behaviors, and habitats. Despite these differences, both reptiles and amphibians are vertebrates and ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is determined by their environment rather than regulated by their bodies.

Comparative Table: Reptile vs Amphibian

Here is a table highlighting the differences between reptiles and amphibians:

Feature Amphibians Reptiles
Classification Class Amphibia Class Reptilia
Habitat Live in water and on land Live predominantly on land, some in water
Skin Porous, requires moisture Skin covered in scales or hard plates
Body Temp Ectothermic (cold-blooded) Ectothermic (cold-blooded)
Respiration Lungs and gills (diplosporic) Lungs (Some aquatic reptiles have gills)
Reproduction Eggs fertilized after being laid in water Eggs fertilized internally and usually laid on dry land
Examples Frogs, toads, salamanders, newts Turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes, crocodiles, alligators, terrapins, tuataras

Both amphibians and reptiles are ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals that belong to the same phylum and subphylum. However, they have distinct features that set them apart, such as their habitats, skin properties, respiratory systems, and reproductive processes.