The Pathfinders of Life in Dry Environments
Reptiles, a group of vertebrate animals that includes snakes, alligators, turtles and lizards, are known for their incredible ability to adapt to the most varied environments, especially drier ones. With an evolution that dates back millions of years, these animals play fundamental roles in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Main Features
They have skin covered in tough scales or plates, which protect them against water loss and predators. They are ectothermic animals, that is, they depend on external heat to regulate their body temperature, which explains their habit of "sunbathing".
They breathe exclusively through lungs and, for the most part, reproduce through eggs with hard shells, resistant to drying out. This characteristic allowed them to colonize environments where other vertebrates could not survive.
Diversity and Curiosities
Snakes: They are highly adapted predators, capable of swallowing prey whole thanks to flexible jaws.
Alligators and crocodiles: These are semi-aquatic reptiles, known for their strength and parental behavior — they care for their young.
Turtles: They inhabit terrestrial environments, fresh or salt water.
Lizards: With species ranging from small geckos to large Komodo dragons.
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