Reptiles and Birds Vocab

CARAPACE

Dorsal part of the shell.

ENDOTHERMIC

Generates body heat via metabolism from within to help maintain body temperature.

PLASTRON

Ventral portion of the shell.

SQUAMATA

Class including snakes and lizards.

DOWN

Feathers that cover the body of young birds, found beneath contour feathers and used to keep the birds warm.

OVOVIVIPOROUS

Refers to female animals that retain eggs until they hatch, giving birth to live young; also called live bearers.

POISONOUS

Describes an organism that excretes a toxin not physically injected into its victim.

TESTUDINES

Order containing turtles and tortoises.

VENOMOUS

Describes an organism that injects a toxin into the body of its victim.

AMNIOTIC EGG

Egg that contains the water and food supply for the developing embryo.

PREEN-GLAND

Gland that secretes oil for waterproofing of feathers.

CONTOUR FEATHERS

Feathers that cover the bird's body and give it shape.

SPHENODON

Genus containing the Tuatara.

CROCODILIA

Order containing alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gharials.

ECTOTHERMY

Condition of needing body heat from an outside source, normally sunlight.

OVIPOROUS

Describes organisms whose young hatch from eggs laid outside the body.

Ecto-

Outer/Outside.

Endo-

Inner/Inside.

Therm-

Relating to heat or temperature.

Plast-

Molded or formed.

Ovo-

Egg.