Question

Comment upon the habitats and external features of animals belonging to class, amphibia and reptilia.

Answer 1

a. Amphibia

Habitat:
The word amphibia has been derived from the Greek word amphibios, which means "to live a double life." Amphibians inhabit both land and water. These are ectothermic (cold blooded) animals and are found in warm countries.

External features:

● Their body is divided into the head and trunk. The tail may or may not be present.

● They have two pairs of pentadactyl limbs which help in movement on land.

● Skin is smooth, or rough without any scales and moist with mucus and poison glands present.

● The ear is represented by the tympanum.

● Example: Rana (frog), Bufo (toad)

b. Reptilia

Habitat:

The word reptilia is derived from the Latin word, ‘repere or reptum’ which means to crawl or creep. Reptiles are cold blooded animals, primarily terrestrial animals and are mostly present in warmer regions.

External features:

● Body divisible into the head, neck, trunk and tail.

● They have two pairs of limbs, each limb has five digits with claws. Limbs are well developed for movement on land.

● Skin is rough, dry, cornified containing epidermal scales or scutes. Epidermal scales get periodically sloughed off as skin cast in snakes and lizards.

● Example: Naja (cobra), Crocodilus (crocodile)