According to science, reptiles have been around for hundreds of millions of years. They come in many shapes and sizes ranging from short and fat to long and thin to humongous and weighing hundreds of pounds. Most of them have unique characteristics that make them quite interesting. A few are noted here, but you can find even more by reading these reptile care sheets.
Geckos. They get their name, gekko, from the sound they make, which is usually described as a chirp. They have no eyelids, so they use their tongues to clean their eyeballs. Geckos have hair-like hooks on their feet that enable them to walk up the sides of walls. Some species are capable of asexual reproduction, meaning they need no partner to reproduce.
Tortoises and Turtles. These may be the longest living reptiles. Some tortoises have been known to live up to 150 years. These creatures do not protect their skin in the same way as other reptiles that have scales; instead, they have a shell made of thick, sturdy cartilage. Also, they are mostly herbivores (vegetarians), while most other reptilia are carnivores (meat eaters). Other herbivores in this class include iguanas and dragons.
Chameleons. Also, contrary to popular belief, chameleons do not change their color to blend in with the background. Their colors change automatically in relationship to their moods and to the temperature. The change is not that drastic, and it usually only involves a brightening or a darkening of the skin rather than a complete color change. If a chameleon becomes excited or scared, the color is likely to get brighter.
These creatures have tongues that seem to be as long as their body. These come in real handy when a bug flies by because they can quickly shoot their tongue out to trap the bug on a sticky substance that coats the tongue.
Chameleons have great big eyes that seem to be too large for their head. A more interesting thing is their ability to move their eyes independently of one another; however, they can only focus one at a time.
Crocodiles. Unlike many reptiles that have three-chambered hearts, crocodiles have four chambers. Their teeth are tough and sharp, but they are designed for crushing and not chewing. This makes digestion difficult for them. To overcome that, they swallow rocks, which help to grind up the food.
While the jaws are extremely powerful when it comes to crushing, that is a closing process: They have a problem with opening the jaws because they are weak when moving in that direction. That is why you see people able to snare them with just a light band around the jaws. When you see one with its mouth wide open and remaining that way, it is doing so to cool off by letting air cross the tongue.
Crocodiles may not be the one you would want if you were considering a reptile for a pet. Good choices would include geckos, turtles, various lizards, and many kinds of snakes. Most of these are easy to take care of because they are small and hardy. Consult with an exotic pet store to learn more about raising them.
