SUMMARY 



135 



SUMMARY 



The reptiles always use lungs for breathing. They 

 usually have scales or bony plates in the skin and have 

 either two pairs of appendages (turtles, lizards, alligators, 

 crocodiles) or none (snakes). It is important to learn to 

 recognize poisonous reptiles, as their bite is dangerous. 



Figure 135. — Poisonous Lizards — The Gila Monster. 



LABORATORY QUESTIONS 



From models or preserved specimens the difference between the harm- 

 ful and harmless reptiles should be worked out. The living turtle can be 

 studied easily. Its special skeleton is an illustration of protective adapta- 

 tion. Notice how the nostrils of the aquatic turtle can be closed. How- 

 does this help the turtle ? 



QUESTIONS 



AVhat are the most common snakes in your vicinity? Are fchey 

 poisonous? How can you tell? Where do they live? What do they 

 eat? How many kinds of turtles do you know? Where do they live? 



REFERENCES 



Ditmars, The Reptile Book. 

 Jordan, Kellogg and Heath, Animal Studies. 

 Linville and Kelly, General Zoology. 

 Reese, The Alligator and its Allies. 



