Snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles look different. A turtle carries a shell, and a snake has no legs. But they belong to the same group: reptiles.
Key idea
Reptiles have dry, scaly skin and breathe air with lungs. Most hatch from eggs laid on land.
Why it works
Dry scales keep a reptile's body from drying out, so reptiles can live in hot, dry places like deserts. Even a sea turtle that swims all day has scaly skin and lungs. It swims up to breathe air.
Worked example: Let's think it through
A turtle lives in a pond. Is it a reptile or an amphibian?
- Its shell and skin are covered with dry scales.
- It breathes air with lungs its whole life.
- Amphibians have moist skin with no scales.
Answer: A turtle is a reptile.
Common mistake
Children often think turtles are amphibians because some live in water. Where it lives does not decide. Dry scales and lungs make a turtle a reptile.
For the grown-up. Many people are surprised that snakes feel dry. Reptiles also warm up by lying in the sun, which is why you see turtles stacked on logs on sunny days.