reptile adaptations Flashcards
(20 cards)
what type of egg does reptiles lay
amniotic egg with leathery or hard shell
what type of fertilization do reptiles use
internal
what skin feature helps prevent water loss
keritanized, scaly skin
what structure do lizards have for sperm delivery
hemipenes
what structure do turtles and crocs use for sperm delivery
single penis from cloacal area
what type of waste do reptiles excrete
uric acid which conserves water
what type of respiration do reptiles rely on
lung based respiration
how do snakes adapt their lungs
one functional lung with extended air sacs
what is autonomy
voluntary tail loss to excape predators
what kind of skin shedding do reptiles undergo
ecdysis (whole skin shed in snakes)
what is unique about crocodilian circulation
heart shunting to aid digestion and diving
how do chameleons change colour
structural colouration (photonic crystals)
what is reptile scales made up of
beta keratin
what is the purpose of claws
digging, gripping, climbing
what are the 4 fang types in snakes
aglyphous, opisthoglyphous, proteroglyphus, solenoglyphous
what sensory organ detects airbourne chemicals
jacobson’s organ
what organ is missing in reptiles compared to mammals
external ear pinnae
what is the brille
eye scale in snakes - part of shedding
what adaptation allows some sea snakes to respire through skin
cutaneous gas exchange and vascular tongue
what major adaptation made reptiles fully terrestrial
amniotic egg, waterproof skin, internal fertilisation
