Chapter 19 Flashcards
Reptiles
Anal plate
The scale in front of and covering the vent (cloacal opening) of a snake. Also called an anal scale.
Aquarium
A type of vivarium enclosure used for aquatic species.
Autotomy
The voluntary shedding of a body part, such as a lizard’s tail, that is used as a defense mechanism.
Bale
A group of turtles or tortoises.
Bask
A group of crocodiles. Also called a float.
Brille
A protective covering on a snake’s eye.
Carapace
The upper shell of turtles and tortoises.
Caseous
The crumbly, cheese-like pus in abscesses on reptiles.
Chelonian
Turtle or tortoise within the Order Testudines.
Chemoreception
A process that uses olfactory receptors to smell or sense chemicals. The Jacobson’s organ, which is found in snakes and lizards, is used for chemoreception.
Clutch
Turtle or tortoise eggs in a nest. The number of eggs a bird lays within several days.
Congregation
A group of alligators.
Crèche
An alligator’s nest of eggs.
Den
A group of snakes. Also called a nest or pit.
Ecdysis
The act of molting or shedding skin.
Float
A group of crocodiles. Also called a bask.
Gaping
The extended opening and closing of the mouth that occurs when a reptile has a respiratory infection.
Generation
A group of vipers (venomous snakes). Also called a nest.
Gout
A disease caused by a buildup of uric acid in the intestines and joints.
Hatchling
A young alligator, crocodile, lizard, or tortoise hatched from an egg. A young snake hatched from an egg. Also called a snakelet.
Heliotherm
A reptile that obtains heat from sunlight.
Keeled scale
A reptile scale that has a ridge in the center and tapers down on either side.
Lounge
A group of lizards.
Neonate
Lizard or snake young born live.
