This lesson will cover the topic “Reptiles. Differences between reptiles and other animals. We will learn about the first true land animals - the order of Reptiles. They have adapted well to life on land, with the exception of a few. Let's look at the main differences between reptiles and other animals.
It consists of a head, torso, paired limbs with claws and a long tail. In case of danger, some lizards can throw away their tail. The skin of a lizard is covered with scales, plates, and ridges. Their heads move well, their eyes have movable eyelids. Lizards react well to moving prey and they hear well. Lizards have small teeth and a tongue in their mouth. This tongue has a fork because it is perfectly adapted to hunting. It is also the organ of smell, touch and taste. Lizards have a varied diet.
Yellow Tummy and brittle spindle have no legs and look like snakes (Fig. 2, 3).
Rice. 2. Yellow Tummy ()
Rice. 3. Brittle spindle ()
Sanding, green and viviparous lizards (Fig. 4-6) are the most common.
Rice. 4. Fast lizard ()
Rice. 5. Green lizard ()
Rice. 6. Viviparous lizard ()
The marine iguana has mastered the water element, where it feeds (Fig. 7).
Rice. 7. Marine iguana ()
Basilisks have a very terrifying appearance; they run on water as if on land (Fig. 8).
Rice. 8. Basilisk ()
The aga family includes the most bizarre lizards - the flying dragon (Fig. 9).
Rice. 9. Flying dragon ()
Moloch is impressive with its large and sharp spines (Fig. 10).
There are poisonous lizards, poison-toothed lizards (Fig. 11).
Gigantic monitor lizards live on Komodo Island (Fig. 12).
Rice. 12. Gigantic monitor lizard ()
Chameleons can change their color and body pattern (Fig. 13).
Rice. 13. Chameleon ()
The gecko can walk upside down (Fig. 14).
There is even a blue-tongued skink in nature (Fig. 15).
Rice. 15. Blue-tongued skink ()
Snakes They are also scaly reptiles. They have a long cylindrical body with a tail. The head is usually face-shaped or triangular in shape. Snakes have no legs, their body is covered with scales. Snakes move very well and crawl quite quickly. The eyes of snakes are covered with a transparent film; they see poorly and do not hear very well. Snakes have the same tongue as lizards. They have teeth. Some snakes are poisonous. Snakes are predatory animals. They also shed their skin and have a protective body coloration. Among the snakes there are those that strangle the victim, wrapping themselves around in rings. This is a boa constrictor and a python.
There are miniature blind snakes. They can even live in flower pot(Fig. 16).
Rice. 16. Blindsnake ()
The rattlesnake is known for its rattle at the end of its tail. This is a kind of warning about the appearance of this snake (Fig. 17).
Rice. 17. Rattlesnake ()
There are even two-headed snakes in nature (Fig. 18).
Rice. 18. Two-headed snake ()
There are completely harmless snakes - these are snakes (Fig. 19). In case of danger, they can pretend to be dead themselves.
But the common viper is a viviparous snake (Fig. 20).
Very dangerous and poisonous taipan snakes (Fig. 21) and tiger snake(Fig. 22).
Rice. 22. Tiger snake ()
The cobra has a warning before an attack - a swollen hood (Fig. 23).
There are arboreal flying snakes. While in a tree, if necessary, they will jump straight down in search of prey.
There is another type of reptile - this turtles. There are about 200 species. The body of turtles is usually hidden under a powerful shell, their limbs and neck are keratinized, the shape of the head is pointed, and turtles have no teeth. In turtles color vision. In case of danger, the turtle hides all protruding parts of its body under its shell. Turtles can be herbivores and carnivores. In nature there are land, sea and bland aquatic turtles. The largest leatherback turtle belongs to the sea (Fig. 24).
Rice. 24. Leatherback turtle ()
People eat green turtle meat (Fig. 25).
Rice. 25. Green turtle ()
Sea turtles have flat limbs and do not retract them into their shells. These reptiles are excellent swimmers.
Land turtles less mobile. Among them there are long-livers. The sizes vary greatly. The elephant turtle is very large (Fig. 26), and the small ones are the spider turtle (Fig. 27).
Rice. 26. Elephant turtle ()
Rice. 27. Spider turtle ()
The Central Asian turtle hisses like a snake (Fig. 28).
Rice. 28. Central Asian turtle ()
There are also freshwater turtles - this is the mata mata fringed turtle. Its appearance is very unusual (Fig. 29).
Rice. 29. Mata-mata turtle ()
Chinese Trionix belongs to soft-bodied turtles(Fig. 30).
Rice. 30. Chinese trionix ()
Snapping turtles are very biting and aggressive (Fig. 31).
Rice. 31. Cayman turtle ()
There are other representatives of reptiles - these are crocodiles. There are about 20 species of them in nature. Crocodiles are semi-aquatic animals, their skin is covered with scutes and plates. They have an elongated, long body. The muscular tail and webbed limbs provide excellent swimming in the water. Crocodiles see and hear well. They have powerful jaws with sharp teeth. Crocodiles swallow their food whole without chewing. The largest is considered saltwater crocodile, it can even attack a person (Fig. 32). Its weight reaches over one ton. The Chinese alligator is a symbol of power in its homeland, because it looks like a dragon. In China, it is believed that meeting a crocodile is good luck.
Caymans are water nurses.
The Ghanaian gharial has a very unusual appearance (Fig. 35). It has surprisingly narrow and long jaws that look like large tweezers. They help catch the most agile fish.
Rice. 35. Ghanaian gharial ()
Another order of reptiles found in nature is Beakheads. The most interesting thing is that it consists of only one representative, tuateria, which is found only in New Zealand. Hatteria has a peculiar body shape. By appearance The tuateria is more like a lizard, its head has a tetrahedral shape, the head and the whole body are covered with scales of different shapes. There is a ridge of thorns on the neck, back, and tail. In addition to teeth, the hatteria has incisors, like rodents. The shape of the mouth is also unusual, similar to a beak. The most interesting thing is that this reptile has three eyes. The third eye is located on the head and is covered with thin skin. Hatterias are the most cold-loving of all reptiles (Fig. 36).
Rice. 36. Hatteria ()
During the lesson we were convinced that reptiles are amazing and interesting animals that rightfully occupy an important place in nature . Let's consider the most interesting representatives reptiles.
The largest snake is the water boa Anaconda, 11 m 43 cm.
The most big lizard- monitor lizard from Komodo Island, up to 3 m in length, weighing up to 140 kg.
The largest crocodile is a saltwater crocodile, up to 9 m in length, and its weight is approximately 1 ton.
The largest turtle in the sea is a leatherback turtle, about 3 m, and its mass is 960 kg.
On land, the largest turtle is the elephant turtle, 2 m long, weighing up to 600 kg.
The most poisonous snakes are taipan, black mamba, tiger snake, rattlesnake, sea snake.
The number of reptile species is decreasing, and humans are also to blame. Very often, a person, because of his fear, destroys and destroys these animals. It must be remembered that, like all living things, reptiles need to be protected and protected.
The next lesson will cover the topic “Ancient reptiles and amphibians. Dinosaurs." On it we will go on a long journey many millions of years ago and get acquainted with ancient reptiles and amphibians, the features of their structure and habitat. We will also learn about animals that became extinct many centuries ago - dinosaurs.
Bibliography
- Samkova V.A., Romanova N.I. The world around us 1. - M.: Russian Word.
- Pleshakov A.A., Novitskaya M.Yu. The world around us 1. - M.: Enlightenment.
- Gin A.A., Faer S.A., Andrzheevskaya I.Yu. The world around us 1. - M.: VITA-PRESS.
- Mirzhivotnih.ru ().
- Filin.vn.ua ().
- Festival pedagogical ideas "Public lesson" ().
Homework
- What are reptiles?
- What features do reptiles have?
- Name four orders of reptiles and describe each of them.
- * Draw a picture on the topic: “Reptiles in our world.”
A snake is an animal of the chordate type, class reptiles, order squamate, suborder snakes (lat. Serpentes). Like all reptiles, they are cold-blooded animals, so their existence depends on the ambient temperature.
Snake - description, characteristics, structure. What does a snake look like?
The body of the snake has an elongated shape and can reach a length of 10 centimeters to 9 meters, and the weight of the snake ranges from 10 grams to more than 100 kilograms. Males are smaller than females, but have more long tail. The body shape of these reptiles is varied: it can be short and thick, long and thin, and sea snakes have a flattened body resembling a ribbon. Therefore, the internal organs of these scaly animals also have an elongated structure.
The internal organs are supported by more than 300 pairs of ribs, movably connected to the skeleton. The snake's triangular head has jaws with elastic ligaments, which makes it possible to swallow large food.
Many snakes are venomous and use venom as a means of hunting and self-defense. Since snakes are deaf, to navigate in space, in addition to vision, they use the ability to capture vibration waves and thermal radiation. The main information sensor is the forked tongue of the snake, which allows it to “collect information” about the environment using special receptors inside the palate. Snake eyelids are fused transparent films, scales covering the eyes, therefore snakes don't blink and even sleep with their eyes open.
The skin of snakes is covered with scales, the number and shape of which depends on the type of reptile. Once every six months, the snake sheds its old skin - this process is called molting. By the way, the color of the snake can be monochromatic in species living in temperate zone, and variegated among representatives of the tropics. The pattern can be longitudinal, transversely circular or spotted.
Types of snakes, names and photographs.
Today, scientists know more than 3,460 species of snakes living on the planet, among which the most famous are adders, sea snakes (not dangerous to humans), pit snakes, pseudopods with both lungs, as well as rudimentary remains pelvic bones and hind limbs.
Let's look at several representatives of the snake suborder:
King cobra (hamadryad) (lat. Ophiophagus hannah)
The most gigantic poisonous snake on earth. Individual representatives grow up to 5.5 m, although the average size of adults usually does not exceed 3-4 m. King cobra venom is a deadly neurotoxin that leads to fatal outcome in 15 minutes. Scientific name king cobra literally means “snake eater”, because it is the only kind, whose representatives feed on snakes of their own kind. Females have exceptional maternal instinct, constantly guarding the clutch of eggs and completely going without food for up to 3 months. The king cobra lives in tropical forests India, Philippines and the islands of Indonesia. Life expectancy is more than 30 years.
Black mamba (lat. Dendroaspis polylepis)
The African venomous snake, growing up to 3 m, is one of the fastest snakes, capable of moving at a speed of 11 km/h. The highly toxic snake venom causes death in a matter of minutes, although the black mamba is not aggressive and attacks humans only in self-defense. Representatives of the black mamba species received their name due to the black coloration of the oral cavity. The snake's skin is usually olive, green or brown in color with a metallic sheen. Eats small rodents, birds and bats.
Fierce snake (desert taipan) (lat. Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
The most poisonous of land snakes, the venom of which is 180 times stronger than that of a cobra. This species of snake is common in the deserts and dry plains of Australia. Representatives of the species reach a length of 2.5 m. Skin color varies depending on the season: in extreme heat- straw-colored, when it gets colder it turns dark brown.
Gaboon viper (cassava) (lat. Bitis gabonica)
Poisonous snake that lives in African savannas, is one of the largest and thickest vipers, up to 2 m long and with a body girth of almost 0.5 m. All individuals belonging to this species have a characteristic, triangular head with small horns located between the nostrils. The Gaboon viper has a calm character, rarely attacking people. It belongs to the type of viviparous snakes, breeds once every 2-3 years, bringing from 24 to 60 offspring.
Anaconda (lat. Eunectes murinus)
The giant (ordinary, green) belongs to the subfamily of boas; in former times the snake was called a water boa. The massive body, 5 to 11 m long, can weigh over 100 kg. The non-venomous reptile is found in low-flow rivers, lakes and creeks of the tropical part of South America, from Venezuela to the island of Trinidad. It feeds on iguanas, caimans, waterfowl and fish.
Python (lat. Pythonidae)
Family representative non-venomous snakes is different gigantic size from 1 to 7.5 m in length, with females much larger and more powerful than males. The range extends throughout the eastern hemisphere: tropical forests, swamps and savannas African continent, Australia and Asia. The diet of pythons consists of small and medium-sized mammals. Adults swallow leopards, jackals and porcupines whole, and then digest them for a long time. Female pythons lay eggs and incubate the clutch, by contracting muscles, increasing the temperature in the nest by 15 -17 degrees.
African egg snakes (egg eaters) (lat. Dasypeltis scabra)
Representatives of the snake family that feed exclusively on bird eggs. They live in savannas and woodlands of the equatorial part of the African continent. Individuals of both sexes grow no more than 1 meter in length. The movable bones of the snake's skull make it possible to open its mouth wide and swallow very large eggs. In this case, the elongated cervical vertebrae pass through the esophagus and, like a can opener, rip open the eggshell, after which the contents flow into the stomach, and the shell is coughed up.
Radiant snake (lat. Xenopeltis unicolor)
Non-venomous snakes, the length of which in rare cases reaches 1 m. The reptile received its name for the rainbow tint of its scales, which are dark brown in color. Burrowing snakes live in the loose soils of forests, cultivated fields and gardens in Indonesia, Borneo, the Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and China. Small rodents and lizards are used as food items.
Worm-shaped blind snake (lat. Typhlops vermicularis)
Small snakes, up to 38 cm long, resemble earthworms in appearance. Absolutely harmless representatives can be found under stones, melons and watermelons, as well as in thickets of bushes and on dry rocky slopes. They feed on beetles, caterpillars, and their larvae. The distribution area extends from the Balkan Peninsula to the Caucasus, Central Asia and Afghanistan. Russian representatives of this species of snake live in Dagestan.
Where do snakes live?
The distribution range of snakes does not include only Antarctica, New Zealand and the islands of Ireland. Many of them live in tropical latitudes. In nature, snakes live in forests, steppes, swamps, hot deserts and even in the ocean. Reptiles lead an active lifestyle both during the day and at night. Species living in temperate latitudes, V winter time hibernate.
Oddly enough, exotic pets no longer surprise anyone. People are increasingly getting spiders, snakes, insects, amphibians or reptiles instead of traditional cats, dogs, parrots and fish... Let's talk about reptiles today, because these animals need special care and attention.
Related materials:
Having a reptile pet has not been something unusual for a long time. Many of us had turtles in our childhood—at home or in school zoos. Turtles are also reptiles; another thing is that a turtle looks familiar and not at all as exotic as, for example, an iguana. And here the market offers us a huge choice: lizards and snakes different types and colors, crocodiles and the same turtles. Choose - I don’t want to! However, choosing a pet—any pet—must be approached responsibly and consciously. This is especially important when you choose a tropical animal that is not adapted to our northern climate. Choose an animal to your liking, and not on a momentary whim. Moreover, it is not only and not so much the appearance of the pet that is important, but the conditions of its maintenance: if you cannot provide it with what it needs, the animal will suffer and die.
Of course, we won’t be able to cover the entire variety of species and subspecies of reptiles kept at home in one article, but we’ll tell you what you need to know before choosing and buying an animal.
Important! Without complete information about the animal, you can destroy it.
Amphibian or reptile?
First, let's dispel the common misconception that amphibians and reptiles are the same thing. This is wrong. They are very different. The main habitat of reptiles is land, amphibians are water. The body of reptiles is covered with scales, while the body of amphibians is covered with thin skin. Of all the sense organs, reptiles have the most developed vision, while amphibians have the most developed sense of touch. The list of differences is quite extensive and we will not list it all. Let's just define the terms.
An amphibian (amphibian) is a class of vertebrate four-legged animals, including newts, salamanders, frogs and some others. Amphibians are among the most primitive terrestrial vertebrates, occupying an intermediate position between terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates. Reproduction and development in most species occurs in the aquatic environment, and adult individuals live on land.
In reptiles, ultraviolet radiation increases the overall activity and resistance of the body.
Reptiles are primarily terrestrial vertebrates, a class that includes modern turtles, crocodiles, beaked beaks, amphisbaenians, lizards and snakes.
Another related misconception is that the newt is a lizard. The newt is an amphibian, not a lizard. Different from lizards internal structure and “appearance”: the lizard is covered with scales, and newts have skin.
This article will focus specifically on reptiles. Today we will not write about frogs, salamanders, newts... although if you are interested in learning about axolotls, we have devoted space to them - what could be more exotic.
Turtles
Turtles may be less demanding than other indoor reptiles, but they still require proper care.
- General information
Near the turtle territory (pen), there must be an electrical outlet to turn on the lamp (UV lamp). Turtles, if there are several of them, should be collected together in a fenced-off space (pen, terrarium). Children and animals (dogs or cats, for example) should not have contact with turtle waste.
The turtle needs a lot of space, so the enclosure (terrarium) must be spacious. An ultraviolet lamp should be suspended above the pen to illuminate and keep the turtles warm during the day. This increases their appetite. In winter conditions, a fluorescent lamp is one of the most important elements corral design. In any season, the temperature under the lamp should be about 30°C. It should be placed in the corner of the terrarium or above the island of the aquarium. The other angle (dry or with water) should be around 20-25°C. Only low-power lamps of 20-30 W are used. The lamp should be located at a distance of 50 cm from the surface. There is no need to use quartz lamps.
- Food and water
The water needs to be changed daily. The bowl of water should not be too deep, otherwise the turtle may fall and drown.
A healthy, medium-sized tortoise should eat half a head of lettuce or the same amount of other food daily.
Calcium is very important for the turtle. The necessary vitamin and mineral supplements can be purchased ready-made at a pet store and mixed with moistened food. Watch the dosage, overdose is dangerous.
- Hibernation and wintering
In nature, turtles hibernate if the temperature drops below a comfortable level. Therefore, in the fall, in September-October, you need to prepare a container for wintering. When you notice that the turtle is trying to burrow into its enclosure (in natural environment they burrow into the ground before spring warms), which means it is ready for hibernation. Turtle breeders advise that when a turtle is ready to hibernate, it should be placed in a cardboard box with thinly sliced paper shavings in which it can burrow. Then this box is placed in another, larger box or box, and the gaps between the walls are filled with peat, newspapers or pieces of foam plastic for thermal insulation. Having covered the top of the container with a net, it is put away for the winter in a cool place where there is no sub-zero temperature. The temperature should be constant - 5-10°C. With the onset of spring, turtles usually wake up.
Immediately after waking up, the turtle appears lethargic and may not eat for several days. Within a few weeks of leaving hibernation turtles need careful care: feed them variedly, keep them warm. If your turtle has difficulty opening its eyes, place it in a shallow container where it will rinse its eyes and nose.
You can mix a soluble multivitamin into your drinking water.
- Land turtles
They prefer spacious terrariums and pens (you can build them yourself) - turtles like to walk freely. Soil or a lot of finely chopped newspaper 4-6 cm thick is poured onto the bottom. You can add decorative elements, such as driftwood or large stones. However, when decorating an aquarium, remember that the instinct of any turtle is to dig everything up and turn it over.
- Aquatic turtles
Aquatic turtles A sealed aquaterrarium with water is required. The water level must be equal to the turtle’s height so that, standing on its hind legs, it can reach the surface with its nose. It is best to use large gravel as soil so that turtles do not swallow it. Driftwood, logs, etc. with a semicircular surface are suitable for constructing the shore. If there are several turtles, they should all be placed on the shore.
Lizards
General information
The lizard must be kept in a specially equipped terrarium. You can let her out on the floor, but not for long - she might catch a cold or get injured. The lizard's terrarium should be small, but at least two body lengths high adult. The length of the terrarium for lizards living on the ground should be greater than its height. The ratio 2:1:1 (length, width, height) has proven itself well. For tree-dwelling lizards, the height of the terrarium should be greater than its length. A ratio of 1:1:2 is desirable.
There must be heating in the terrarium. As is good ventilation. Good ventilation can be achieved if one of the walls or ceiling is wired, with an area of at least 10% total area terrarium. The mesh should be made of natural materials. The size of the cells depends on the size of the lizard itself and what it eats - so that the prey does not escape and the lizard is not injured.
Different lizards need different temperatures. The necessary “weather” conditions must be clarified when purchasing.
Heat sources should be an incandescent lamp and an ultraviolet lamp. The terrarium will be divided into two temperature zones: warmer (near the lamp) and cooler. At night the temperature should drop. In a cool area, place a container with water in which you need to put a stone so that the lizard can easily get out of the drinking bowl.
Vegetation is a must in a terrarium: it maintains the desired level of humidity. The plants did not have thorns to prevent them from being slippery or poisonous and must withstand temperature regime terrarium, so ask a specialist which plants are suitable specifically for your terrarium. To maintain importance, spray the plants with a spray bottle.
The soil in the terrarium can be different, but the layer should not be too thin, since lizards love to dig holes.
Lizards love peace and solitude, and this condition is quite difficult to comply with.
- Food and water
Difficulties in maintenance depend on the specific species. Some require cockroaches and crickets for food, and some even require mice and chickens. Most species of lizards are predators, and the larger the individual, the more prey it needs. Iguanas are herbivores, and beginners are advised to have them.
A bowl of cool water should always be within the lizard's direct access. Change the water at least once a day, and also when it gets dirty or warms up.
In the terrarium, feces and food debris must be removed daily.
- Hibernation and wintering
In winter, lizards living in cold climates (and in appropriate terrariums) should hibernate at a temperature of 5-10 ° C, just like turtles.
In tropical terrariums, appropriate temperature and lighting must be maintained in any season. If your lizard comes from tropical desert, semi-deserts or savannas, these areas are characterized by a fairly strong temperature difference between day and night. And you must provide her with such a regime.
Snakes
The most common mistake is buying poisonous snakes or snakes of an unknown species. Poisonous snakes are dangerous, everyone knows this, but many do not think that the snake is in its “childhood” age, and its real size is not yet visible.
- General information
Beginners are advised to purchase climbing snakes (genus Elapha) or king snakes(genus Lampropeltis). The snakes are small—most do not exceed one and a half meters in length—and, as a rule, they are not aggressive. Their teeth are smaller than those of a cat, and they are not capable of causing serious injury, even in the event of aggression. You can feed snakes with mice; some species also like quails or small chicken eggs. Snakes, oddly enough, are more difficult to maintain: they need an aquaterrarium, conditions for hibernation, and frogs as food. Boas and pythons need a large and durable terrarium; they eat rats and rabbits. Owners of cats and small dogs should not have boas and peonies.
The dimensions of the terrarium for small snakes or young snakes should be about 80x55x55 cm. As the reptile grows, its “house” needs to be enlarged.
For large species of snakes, the terrarium should be at least 110x60x60 cm. A small drinking pool should be placed inside the terrarium.
For good ventilation, the ceiling and parts of the walls (on different heights) must be cellular and wiry or contain holes (as in lizards).
Maintaining the desired temperature is very important: depending on the species, the snake may require both underfloor heating and ceiling heating. When the temperature is too high, snakes do not grow or reproduce, and when the temperature is too low, they often get sick.
Lighting is equally important. It is necessary to equip the terrarium with fluorescent lamps.
To arrange a terrarium, you need to focus on the type of snake. For example, arboreal snakes need a tall terrarium with plenty of branches and tree fragments. Gravel should absolutely not be used for digging snakes. And for snakes from subtropical and tropical climate, you need to use hygrometers, since humidity for such reptiles is a vital factor.
In terrariums where large snakes are kept, you should not plant greenery, as the animals will break and crush any type of vegetation.
- Food and water
All snakes are carnivores and prefer to eat live food. When feeding, it is important to take into account their species preferences, i.e. feeding a certain type of strictly defined food. The amount of feed in all cases is determined individually. The basic principle is that the snake should neither lose weight nor gain weight. Remember that the rate of digestion of food in snakes depends on temperature environment: When temperatures are high, snakes eat more and faster.
Young snakes begin to feed after their first molt. They need to be fed twice as often as adults.
The water should be warm and fresh (the drinking bowl is also used by snakes as a pool).
- Hibernation and wintering
Snakes hibernate as a result of cold weather. Basically, snakes spend about 4 months in hibernation at a temperature of 2-15 ° C, however, each type of snake has its own conditions.
Crocodiles
- General information
There are no small crocodiles. The smallest species of crocodiles (Osteolaemustetraspis, Caimancrocodilus, C. latirostris, Paleosuchus palpebrosus and P. trigonatus) reach a length of more than one and a half meters in about five years from the moment of hatching from the egg. Content large crocodile at home is an extreme matter.
A large aquarium is suitable as a place for keeping young crocodiles up to one year old.
A terrarium for older animals is a spacious room with a dry area and a swimming pool. It is necessary to carefully approach the size of the crocodile’s home. They need large enclosures, with a water/land ratio of 3/1. You also need space for swimming, with a difference in depth and water filtration. An adult crocodile caiman needs an aquaterrarium with a total volume of about 1000 liters. Sushi requires local heating. Optimal background temperatures are 25-30°C, with water temperatures not lower than 24°C.
At night, crocodiles are more active than during the day. They can dig, swarm and growl loudly.
- Food and water
Crocodiles are not herbivores at all, quite the contrary. All crocodiles are predators.
Crocodiles should eat whole fish, frogs, mice, rats, chickens, and large insects(locusts, large species of cockroaches) and mollusks (Achatina, Ampularia). Young crocodiles are fed every other day, and adults 1-2 times a week.
An important condition for keeping aquatic animals is clean water; therefore, it is necessary to provide an active water filtration system and its regular replacement.
And yes - even the most seemingly tame crocodile is potentially dangerous and bites without reason or warning. You cannot let the animal out of the terrarium - it will be bad for both him and you.
These reptiles are not kept in homes
Beakheads Modern representatives of the beaked order are tuateria. Hatteria looks like a lizard, but is not one. Currently in squad 2 modern looking, the remaining 43 are fossils. This is an endangered species that lives on just a few New Zealand islands and is carefully protected. This means you can’t have such a pet at home, no matter how much you might want to. |
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Amphisbaena Ambisphene or dvuhodki. They look like snakes, but they are not snakes. They look like worms. Dimensions of an adult: from 9 to 72 cm depending on the species. Found in South America, Mexico, Africa and Western Asia. They specialize in an underground lifestyle, feed mainly on ants and termites, and rarely appear on the surface. Two-walkers are not the most common reptiles in our open spaces, not only because they are not bought, but because of their character traits. Amphisbaenas lead a secretive lifestyle, are little studied and unknown to the general public. |
Generally about prices
Of course, it all depends on the variety, age and size, but to generalize, the most expensive individual is an adult male. Females and cubs are cheaper than males. And, of course, the larger the reptile, the more expensive it is.
Herpetology is a branch of zoology that studies amphibians and reptiles.
In addition to the price for a pet, for its “house” you can pay an amount several times greater than the cost of the animal itself. The more exotic the animal, the more demanding it is in terms of keeping conditions. This means that you may need not just a terrarium (aquaterrarium), but also a heater, ultraviolet lamps, importance regulator, etc.; as well as special feed. In addition, the animal must be periodically shown to a veterinarian-herpetologist, and such a specialist is not so easy to find. But reptiles do not need to be sterilized and do not need vaccinations as often as cats or dogs.
As a result, the budget for keeping a reptile is not small. By the way, small Central Asian turtles are the most unpretentious and inexpensive of all domestic reptiles. A baby crocodile costs from 250 euros, and a snake or lizard can be bought for 1000-3000, depending on the species.
General purchase rules
When buying a crocodile, check the state of its health - it should feed on its own, swim and dive easily, and there should be no plaques or pigment spots on its integument. And if you try to pick him up, he should hiss, grumble, quack and try in every possible way to bite you. That's normal, he's a crocodile.
It is best to buy reptiles in large, reputable pet stores, or on, again, well-proven, specialized forums on the Internet (we still do not recommend buying crocodiles on the Internet, but you can try lizards and turtles).
The seller must have in order documents for the import and sale of these animals, including veterinary certificates and a license.
The purchase and sale of pets, including exotic ones, is regulated by the Law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights”.
And we will repeat again until you receive complete information about the animal (keeping, nutrition, vaccinations, specific features species) that you are going to purchase, do not buy the animal. Information first, otherwise the animal will wither and die.
Reptiles- typical terrestrial animals and their main method of movement is crawling, reptiles on the ground. The most important structural features and biology of reptiles helped their ancestors leave the water and spread widely across the land. These features primarily include internal fertilization And egg laying, rich in nutrients and covered with a dense protective shell, which facilitates their development on land.
The body of reptiles has protective formations in the form scales, covering them with a continuous cover. The skin is always dry, evaporation through it is impossible, so they can live in dry places. Reptiles breathe exclusively with the help of their lungs, which, compared to the lungs of amphibians, have a more complex structure. Intensive lung breathing became possible thanks to the appearance of a new skeletal section in reptiles - chest. The chest is formed by a number of ribs connected on the dorsal side to the spine, and on the abdominal side to the sternum. The ribs, thanks to special muscles, are mobile and contribute to the expansion of the chest and lungs during inhalation and their collapse at the moment of exhalation.
With a change in structure respiratory system changes in blood circulation are closely related. Most reptiles have a three-chambered heart and two circuits of blood circulation (as do amphibians). However, the structure of the reptile heart is more complex. In its ventricle there is a septum, which at the moment of contraction of the heart almost completely divides it into the right (venous) and left (arterial) halves.
This structure of the heart and the location of the main vessels, different from that of amphibians, more strongly delineates the venous and arterial flows, therefore, the body of reptiles is supplied with blood that is more saturated with oxygen. The main vessels of the systemic and pulmonary circulation are typical of all terrestrial vertebrates. The main difference between the pulmonary circulation of amphibians and reptiles is that in reptiles the cutaneous arteries and veins have disappeared and the pulmonary circulation includes only pulmonary vessels.
About 8,000 are known today existing species reptiles that live on all continents except Antarctica. Modern reptiles are divided into orders: protolizards, scaly, crocodiles And turtles.
Reproduction of reptiles
Fertilization in terrestrial reptiles internal: the male injects sperm into the female’s cloaca; they penetrate the egg cells, where fertilization occurs. The female's body develops eggs, which she lays on land (buries in a hole). The outside of the egg is covered with a dense shell. The egg contains a supply of nutrients, due to which the development of the embryo occurs. The eggs do not produce larvae, as in fish and amphibians, but individuals capable of independent life.
First Lizard Squad
TO proto-lizards refers to "living fossil" - tuateria- the only species that has survived to this day only on small islands near New Zealand. This is a sedentary animal, leading mainly night look life and appearance similar to a lizard. Hatteria in its structure has features that are similar to reptiles and amphibians: the vertebral bodies are biconcave, with a chord preserved between them.
Otrad scaly
Typical representative scaly - quick lizard. Its appearance indicates that it is a terrestrial animal: the five-fingered limbs do not have swimming membranes, the fingers are armed with claws; the legs are short, and therefore the body, when moving, seems to crawl along the ground, every now and then coming into contact with it - reptiles (hence the name).
Lizards
Although the lizard's legs are short, it can run quickly, quickly escaping from its pursuers into its burrow or climbing a tree. This was the reason for its name - quick. The lizard's head is connected to the cylindrical body using the neck. The neck is poorly developed, but will still give the lizard's head some mobility. Unlike a frog, a lizard can turn its head without turning its whole body. Like all land animals, it has through nostrils, and its eyes have eyelids.
Behind each eye, in a small depression, is the eardrum, connected to the middle and inner ear. From time to time, the lizard sticks out of its mouth a long, thin tongue forked at the end - an organ of touch and taste.
The lizard's body, covered with scales, rests on two pairs of legs. The humerus and femur bones are parallel to the surface of the earth, causing the body to sag and drag along the ground. The ribs are attached to the thoracic vertebrae, forming the rib cage, which protects the heart and lungs from damage.
Digestive, excretory and nervous system lizards are generally similar to the corresponding amphibian systems.
Respiratory organs - lungs. Their walls have a cellular structure, which significantly increases their surface area. The lizard does not have skin respiration.
The lizard's brain is better developed than that of amphibians. Although it has the same five sections, the forebrain hemispheres are larger in size, and the cerebellum and medulla oblongata are much more massive.
The sand lizard is distributed very widely from the Black Sea to Arkhangelsk region, from Baltic Sea to Transbaikalia. In the north, it gives way to a viviparous lizard similar to it, but more adapted to the cold climate. The southern regions are home to many different species of lizards. Lizards live in burrows, which are summer weather leave in the morning and evening, but no further than a distance of 10-20 m from the mink.
They feed on insects, slugs, and in the south - locusts, caterpillars of butterflies and beetles. Within a day, one lizard can destroy up to 70 insects and plant pests. Therefore, lizards deserve protection as very useful animals.
The lizard's body temperature is not constant (the animal is active only in the warm season); it drops sharply even if a cloud approaches the sun. With a longer drop in temperature, the lizard loses mobility and stops eating. During the winter it hibernates; can tolerate freezing and cooling of the body down to -5°, -7°C, while all the life processes of the animal slow down significantly. Gradual warming returns the lizard to active life.
In addition to the sand lizard and viviparous lizard, there are many other species of lizards. Common in Ukraine and the Caucasus large green lizard: in desert areas - agama lizards with a long flexible and unbreakable tail.
Predatory lizard gray monitor lizard , living in the deserts of Central Asia. Its length is up to 60 cm. The monitor lizard eats arthropods, rodents, eggs of turtles and birds. The largest specimens of monitor lizards discovered by herpetologists (the science that studies reptiles) on the island of Komolo reach 36 cm. In the northern regions, the legless lizard is common - spindle.
Chameleons
Chameleons in appearance they resemble medium-sized lizards, with a helmet-shaped outgrowth on the head and a laterally compressed body. This is a highly specialized animal, adapted to an arboreal lifestyle. His fingers are fused together like pincers, with which he tightly grasps the branches of trees. The long and prehensile tail is also used for climbing. The chameleon has a very unique eye structure. The movements of the left and right eyes are not coordinated and independent of each other, which provides some advantages when catching insects. Interesting feature Chameleon's ability to change skin color is a protective device. Chameleons are common in India, Madagascar, Africa, Asia Minor and southern Spain.
Snakes
In addition to lizards, the order Squamate includes snakes. Unlike chameleons, snakes are adapted to crawling on their stomachs and swimming. Due to wave-like movements, the legs gradually completely lost their role as organs of locomotion; only some snakes retained their rudiments (a boa constrictor). Snakes move by bending their legless body. Adaptation to crawling was manifested in the structure of the internal organs of snakes, some of them completely disappeared. Snakes don't have Bladder and just one lung.
Snakes see poorly. Their eyelids are fused, transparent and cover their eyes like a watch glass.
Among snakes there are non-venomous and poisonous species. The largest non-venomous snake is boa- lives in the tropics. There are boas up to 10 m long. They attack birds and mammals, strangling their prey by squeezing it with their body, and then swallowing it whole. Large boas, living in tropical forests, are also dangerous to humans.
Widespread of non-venomous snakes snakes. The common snake is easily distinguished from poisonous snakes by two orange crescent spots on the head and round pupils of the eyes. It lives near rivers, lakes, ponds, feeding on frogs, and sometimes small fish, swallowing them alive.
Poisonous snakes include viper, cobra, or spectacled snake, rattlesnake and etc.
Viper easily recognized by the long zigzag dark stripe running along the back. In the upper jaw of the viper there are two poisonous teeth with tubules inside. Through these tubules, the poisonous liquid secreted by the victim enters the wound. salivary glands snakes, and the prey, such as a mouse or small bird, dies.
By destroying huge numbers of mice and locusts, vipers benefit humans. However, their bites can cause long-term illness and even death in animals and even humans. The venom of such snakes as asian cobra, American rattlesnake.
Wounds formed when a person is bitten by a snake look like two red dots. Painful swelling quickly occurs around them, gradually spreading throughout the body. A person develops drowsiness, cold sweats, nausea, delirium, and in severe cases, death occurs.
If a person is bitten by a poisonous snake, it is necessary to immediately take first aid measures., remove excess poison near the wound with blotting paper, cotton wool or a clean cloth, if possible, disinfect the bite site with a solution of manganese, strictly protect the wound from contamination, give to the victim strong tea or coffee, provide peace. Then take him to the hospital as quickly as possible for immediate administration of anti-snake serum. Where there are poisonous snakes, you should not walk barefoot. Care must be taken when picking berries, protecting your hands from snake bites.
Otrad crocodiles
Crocodiles- these are the largest and most highly organized predatory reptiles, adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, living in tropical countries. Nile crocodile most spends its life in water, where it swims beautifully, using a strong, laterally compressed tail, as well as hind limbs that have swimming membranes. The crocodile's eyes and nostrils are elevated, so it only needs to raise its head out of the water a little and it can already see what is happening above the water, and also breathe atmospheric air.
On land, crocodiles are slow to maneuver and, when in danger, rush into the water. They quickly drag their prey into the water. These are various animals that the crocodile lies in wait at watering places. It can also attack humans. Crocodiles hunt mainly at night. During the day they often lie motionless in groups on the shallows.
Turtle squad
Turtles differ from other reptiles in their well-developed, durable shell. It is formed from bone plates, covered on the outside with horny substance, and consists of two shields: the upper convex and the lower flat. These shields are connected to each other from the sides, and there are large gaps in front and behind the joints. The head and forelimbs are exposed from the front, and the hind limbs from the back. Almost all aquatic turtles are predators, while land turtles are herbivores.
Turtles typically lay hard-shelled eggs on land. Turtles grow slowly, but are among the long-livers (up to 150 years). There are giant turtles (soup turtle up to 1 m long. Weight - 450 kg. marsh turtle- up to 2 m and up to 400 kg). They are objects of fishing.
Meat, fat, eggs are used for food, and a variety of horn products are made from the shell. We have one species of turtles - marsh turtle, lives up to 30 years. During the winter it hibernates.
The descendants of extinct dinosaurs are numerous reptiles. The list of reptiles includes about ten thousand species. They all breathe through lungs, and their skin is covered with horny scales that protect it from drying out. There are 72 species of reptiles living in our country alone.
The list of reptiles includes about ten thousand species Class characteristics
The class of reptiles includes a certain group of cold-blooded animals and has a number of anatomical features. The limbs are located on both sides and widely spaced. During movement, the reptile's body drags along the ground, which does not prevent it from remaining fast and agile in times of danger or hunting.
In prehistoric times, this type of fauna lived in water. In the process of evolution, they switched to a terrestrial existence thanks to cellular lungs, dry body coverings and internal fertilization. During the growth process, the animal sheds periodically.
What they share with fish and amphibians is the body’s ability to regulate body temperature according to environmental conditions. In winter, they lose activity and hibernate. In southern latitudes with a hot climate, many of them are nocturnal. The dense horny cover and the absence of glands in the epidermis prevent moisture loss.
Distribution area
Reptiles are common on all continents except Antarctica. Their populations are especially numerous in tropical and subtropical regions.
The most viable species live on the territory of the Russian Federation. The list of names of reptiles that inhabit almost all regions of our country is quite extensive. It includes:
- - Far Eastern, Mediterranean, leatherback, Caspian, European marsh, bigheaded.
- Lizards- gray and Caspian gecko, motley and long-eared roundhead.
- Snakes- vipers, snakes, copperheads and yellow-bellies.
Reptiles include lizards, snakes, turtles All representatives of this class, living in temperate climates, are not large in size and prefer small areas for living, since they are incapable of long-distance migrations. They are characterized by high fertility. Females lay dozens of eggs. The population density on one hectare can reach one hundred and twenty individuals. Nutritional characteristics play an important role in the biological indication of nature.
Features of reproduction
Reptiles breed on the surface of land. Even those who spend most of their lives in water leave familiar place a habitat. Mating season accompanied by increased activity and fights among males. This is especially common in lizards and turtles.
The main part of reptiles are oviparous reptiles. In some species, the egg remains in the oviduct until the baby is fully mature. Such animals belong to ovoviviparous representatives of the fauna.
Reptiles are naturally endowed with a high ability to survive and preserve the species Description of individual species
Reptiles are naturally endowed with a high ability to survive and preserve the species. IN wildlife Both herbivores and predatory reptiles are found. The list of titles includes:
- turtles;
- crocodiles;
- lizards;
- snake.
There are about three hundred species of turtles. Distributed throughout the world. These harmless animals are often kept as pets. They are among the longest living reptiles. IN favorable conditions live up to two hundred and fifty years.
A strong shell protects them from predators, and their body weight and size depend on their belonging to a particular genus and habitat. sea turtles can weigh about a ton and have impressive dimensions. Among land species there are tiny specimens weighing 125 grams and a shell length of 10 centimeters.
The animal's head is small, which makes it possible, in case of danger, to quickly remove it under the shell. The reptile has four limbs. The paws of terrestrial animals are adapted for digging soil, sea creatures they turned into flippers.
Crocodiles- the most dangerous reptiles. The names of some species correspond to their habitat. The most famous of them:
- sea or rowing;
- Cuban;
- Mississippian;
- Philippine;
- Chinese;
- Paraguayan.
Crocodiles are divided into the families of gharials, caimans and alligators. They differ from each other in the shape of their jaws and body sizes.
Lizards- quick representatives of fauna. Most of them are small in size and have high regenerative ability. inhabit different corners planets are well adapted to different climatic latitudes.
The main part of lizards are small in size and have high regenerative ability. Most big representative genus of lizards - komodo dragon. Named after the island of the same name on which it lives. Outwardly it resembles a cross between a dragon and a crocodile. They create a deceptive impression with their clumsiness. However, they are excellent runners and swimmers.
Snakes are included in the list of reptile animals that are missing limbs. Due to the elongated shape of the body, the internal organs acquired an identical structure. More than three hundred pairs of ribs located throughout the body help make flexible movements. The triangular head allows the snake to swallow its prey whole.
In nature there is a huge amount various snakes. Most of them are poisonous. The poison can kill some within a few minutes. Scientists have long learned to use snake venom as medicine and antidotes.
Snakes that lack venomous glands include grass snakes and pythons. The largest snake in the world lives on the banks of the Amazon and is called the anaconda. Kills the victim with the help of powerful muscles, wrapping it in rings.
Due to water pressure, sea snakes lack a rounded shape and resemble a writhing ribbon. They are very dangerous for humans, as they produce highly toxic poison. Once on land, they die within a few hours. They settle at the mouths of rivers flowing into the sea. They rarely swim far from the shore.
Difference from amphibians
Compared to amphibians, reptiles are better adapted to living on land. Their muscles are well differentiated. This explains their ability to make fast and varied movements.
The digestive system is longer. The jaws are equipped with sharp teeth that help chew even the toughest food. The blood supply is mixed, in which arterial blood predominates. Therefore, they have a higher metabolic rate.
Compared to amphibians, reptiles are better adapted to living on land The size of the brain relative to the body is larger than that of amphibians. Behavioral characteristics and sensory organs are perfectly adapted to life on the surface of the earth.
Unique reptiles
Among the most interesting and rare reptiles there are those who have characteristics unlike other species. anatomical features. The most remarkable representative of the unique fauna is Hatteria. It lives in only one place - New Zealand. Despite its external resemblance to a lizard, it does not belong to the genus of these reptiles. The internal organs are similar to those of a snake.
Despite its external resemblance to a lizard, tuateria does not belong to the genus of these reptiles Unlike other animals, it has three eyes, with an additional organ of vision located in the back of the head. Possessing slow breathing, she is capable of not breathing for a minute. The body length is half a meter, weight is about one kilogram.
This is a nocturnal predator. It feeds mainly on small animals, crawling and flying insects. The maximum life expectancy is 100 years.
The unique features of reptiles are of interest to biologists and lovers of these animals. Some species have not been fully studied due to their secretive lifestyle and remote places a habitat. Even the most dangerous predators to humans contribute to the ecological balance of the planet and need protection from extermination.
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