The most noticeable feature of reptiles are the scales that cover their
body. Although reptiles breathe through lungs, some reptiles can also absorb
oxygen in water trough membranes in their mouth. Reptiles are often called
cold-blooded because they can't regulate their own body temperature. Their
body temperature depends on the external temperature.
Crocodiles and alligators are large amphibious reptiles. They can walk
on land using their webbed feet. They can also use their long tail to swim
in water. Crocodiles feed on large animals they catch on land or
in water. They have powerful jaws and teeth to tear apart their prey.
Lizards and snakes are the largest group of reptiles. Lizards are four
legged animals with a long tail. Many lizards can shed their tail to escape
from predators. They can then grow a new tail.
Some lizards, such as the chameleon, can change colors to blend into
their environment. This camouflage helps to protect them from predators.
Snakes don't have limbs. They move by slithering along the ground.
Some snakes are poisonous, or venomous, such as the rattle snake, cobra,
and eastern green mamba. They have fangs which bite into their prey and
inject poison into the victim. Other snakes, such as the boa constrictor
and the python kill their prey by crushing it. Most snakes can dislocate
their jaw, allowing them to swallow prey much larger than themselves.