Different Types Of Reptiles
While the "Age of Mammals" had started after
the "Age of Reptiles" had died out, there are
more species of reptiles today than there are of mammals.
If fact, there are 8,700 species of reptiles that exist
in our world. Here are some reptiles that are most commonly
known and some that you may have never heard of.
Among all living reptiles, the Saltwater Crocodile is
the largest one but among lizards, the Komodo dragon is
the largest and when it comes to the turtle species, the
Leatherback Turtle is the largest.
Reptile species are broken down into four different categories:
Crocodilia - This category consists of alligators,
crocodiles, gavials and caimans and has an estimate of
23 species in it. Crocodiles are the closest living relatives
to birds.
Sphenodontia - Also referred to as Tuataras are
only found in New Zealand and were once wide-spread but
now only contain two species. Tuataras are lizard-like
reptiles that do not have a jointed skull, unlike the
Squamata species.
Squamata -This category is the most diverse one
out of all four categories and actually consists of 7,900
species of lizards, worm lizards and snakes. Squamata's
shed their skin and have jointed skulls and jaws for clenching
their prey with.
Testudines- This category holds the most ancient
reptiles alive today, turtles and tortoises and has an
estimated 300 species that belong to it. Turtles and tortoises
inhabit freshwater, terrestrial and marine habitats.
Reptiles are a one of the six basic groups of animals
and many new species are found every year.
