Reptiles and amphibians are distantly related to each other, hence certain similarities sometimes occur between them. In both cases, they are ectothermic animals, which means they are cold-blooded. They are also vertebrates (they have spines) and with the exception of crocodiles and other wineries, almost all amphibians and reptiles have a heart of 3 chambers or cavities.

Despite all the above, among these, there are some differences and then we will tell you what they are.

REPTILES

Reptiles live especially on land, although some reptiles such as alligators, crocodiles, and snakes can spend a lot of time in the water; they don’t live under it.

The word reptile derives from the reptile and has the following meanings: “that creeps”, “that acts hidden”, “that slips”. Generally, reptiles have dry and flaky skin. They breathe thanks to the lungs and lay eggs.

They live on all continents, except in Antarctica; and inhabit various environmental conditions.

There are more than 6,500 known reptile species. Animals in this group should sunbathe or find a warm place to get warm and then look for a place to cool off since as mentioned above, they are ectothermic.

Reptiles crawl and crawl, so they have short or weak limbs; They may not even have limbs. Their eggs are hard, in some cases, they are placed on the ground and in other cases they are kept in their bodies until they hatch.

They are born on earth and the young are independent of the beginning (they must find their own food and shelter). The offspring physically resemble adults. They grow in size but do not experience any metamorphosis.

They defend themselves from predators using their claws, whipping with their tails and giving tremendous bites. Some species are poisonous, like the Gila monster; among others.

AMPHIBIANS

Amphibians live both on land and in water. The word “amphibian” derives from the Greek word amphibious “ which lives in two elements.” The animals of this group are born in the water and when they mature they develop legs and lungs, which allow them to survive on earth.

The first amphibians were a crucial link in the subsequent appearance of reptiles. They were the first animals to leave the sea to venture on land.

There are about 5,500 known amphibian species. They live part of their life in the water and the other part on earth. They are vertebrates and, like reptiles, they are also ectothermic.

Some examples of amphibians well known to us are frogs and toads, salamanders, newts, and caecilians.

In addition to having lungs as in the case of reptiles, amphibians have gills. Its frontal extremities are usually short and long the rear; With your webbed fingers.

Generally, amphibian eggs are protected with a transparent gelatinous shell; It contains mucoproteins and mucopolysaccharides. This cover absorbs water and gases. Eggs are deposited in water or in places with high humidity.

When amphibians are small, they look very different compared to when they reach adulthood. Young amphibians are known as larvae and as they develop they change their diet, lifestyle and body shape.

To defend themselves from predators they use toxic secretions through the skin or bites. They have no claws or nails.

Key differences between amphibians and reptiles

• Amphibians spend part of their life in water and part on earth, while reptiles live especially on earth.
• Reptiles can inhabit dry environments, while amphibians need to be close to moisture.
• The skin of reptiles can be hard or soft, while that of amphibians is usually soft and moist; protected by secretion of slippery mucus.
• Reptiles do not suffer a great metamorphosis as they develop, but amphibians do.