CHAPTER XXX 



THE REPTILES 



Vocabulary 



Iridescence, changeable rainbow colors. 

 Reticulated, marked with a network pattern. 

 Retracted, drawn back. 

 Constrictors, snakes that crush their prey in their coils. 



There is probably no group of animals less understood, and 

 concerning which there is more abundant misinformation than the 

 reptiles. It is principally to correct some of these false ideas that 

 they are discussed here. 



The reptiles include snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocodiles and 



FIG. 93. A fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis. From Kellogg 

 and Doane. 



the points in which they differ from amphibians are as follows: 

 1 . They never breathe by gills at any stage. 

 2 They have no metamorphosis. 



3. Eggs are internally fertilized and have a shell, or young may 

 be born alive. 



4. The body is covered with scales. 



5. Feet, if present, are provided with claws. 



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