Question

reptiles have evolved many characteristics that make them perfectly adapted to their terrestrial habitats. compare and contracts these adaptations in reptiles with those found jn amphibians.

include pictures/diagrams

1) Dry, scaly skin that limits water loss

2) lungs divided into chamber and sub-chamber (faveoli) à negative pressure breathing

Answer 1

Amphibians can survive both on land and in water but Reptiles are more adept to living on land. Reptiles have developed many traits which make their survival on soil easier.

• Amphibians use their skin as a respiratory organ, so their skin is very permeable which allows liquids and gases to pass through them easily. The type of skins amphibians. Have facilitate water loss. Whereas, reptiles have thick scaly skin to conserve moisture on land.​​​​​​
• Amphibians excrete either urea or ammonia as their waste product depending upon whether they are on land or in water but reptiles have an efficient excretory system which helps them produce concentrated urine which is mostly urea and it prevents water loss in their bodies.
• Amphibians lay eggs in water and their eggs do not have the amniotic layer so if they were laid on land the eggs would dry out. Amphibian eggs are surrounded by a gelatinous covering. On the other hand, reptiles lay eggs on land so their eggs are covered by a thick leathery covering of hard calcium shells. Few reptiles carry the eggs in their bodies until birth.
• Amphibians have simple sac-like structures as lungs and in few amphibians gills are also present. Whereas, reptiles have fully developed lungs to help with respiration on land. Their scales also prevent them from absorbing oxygen through their skin.