reptile diversity Flashcards
(20 cards)
what are the 4 major modern reptile groups
squamata, testudines, crocodylia and rhynchocephalia
what is the only surviving rhynchocephalia
tuatara
what is the largest reptile group
squamata 11 600 sp
what is the difference between snakes and lizards
snakes lack limbs and eyelids, lizards usually have both
what defines amphibaenians
legless burrowing squamates with strong skull for digging
what unique about turtle anatomy
shoulder girdle inside the ribcage
what are the 2 turtle clades
cryptodira (straight necked) and pleurodira (side necked)
what is the crocodylian heart adaptation
four chambered heart with shunting ability
which UK lizard is legless
slow worm!!!
which UK snake is venemous
adder
which UK lizards lays eggs in sandy heathland
sand lizard
what conservation effort is underway for the pool frog
reintroduction in East Anglia using Swedish stock
what type of diet is rare in snakes
herbivory
what evolutionary trend is common in squamates
limb loss (25 independant times)
what is the function of the Jacobson’s organ
detects airborne chemicals, aiding in prey detection
what is unique about the tuatara’s dentition
two upper rows of bite between a single lower row
what reptile species is protected under EU law in UK
natterjack toad
how are reptile different from amphibians in reproduction
they lay amniotic eggs and have waterproof skin
what is a major threat to global reptile diversity
habitat loss, invasive species, overexploitation and climate change
what is skull kinesis
movable skull joints for prey manipulation
