reptil

Reptiles are a class of vertebrate animals that includes about 11,000 species across four living orders: Testudines (turtles and tortoises), Squamata (lizards and snakes), Crocodylia (crocodilians), and Rhynchocephalia (tuatara). They inhabit most regions of the world, from deserts to forests and from freshwater to marine environments, with Antarctica being the notable exception.

Reptiles share several defining features. They are ectothermic, often described as cold-blooded, and regulate their body temperature through the surrounding environment. Their skin is dry and covered with keratinized scales or shields that reduce water loss. They breathe air through lungs and typically have efficient kidneys for water conservation. Reproduction is mainly by eggs with leathery shells laid on land, though some species give birth to live young. Internal fertilization is common, and parental care varies among species.

Diversity within reptiles is substantial. Squamates (lizards and snakes) exhibit a wide range of body forms and diets, from insectivores to carnivores. Testudines (turtles and tortoises) have protective shells. Crocodylians (crocodilians) are aquatic predators with strong jaws. Rhynchocephalia is represented today by the tuatara, a small, nocturnal reptile native to New Zealand, belonging to an ancient lineage.

In evolutionary terms, reptiles first appeared in the late Permian and diversified through the Mesozoic, an era often called the Age of Reptiles. Today, many reptile species face threats such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and hunting. Conservation efforts emphasize habitat protection, legal safeguards, and breeding programs.