Basic Herpetology Terms

Order of taxonomies

Life, domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species

Taxonomy

The classification of organisms

amphibian

They usually have an aquatic childhood stage followed by a terrestrial adult stage.

reptile

distinguished by having a dry scaly skin and typically laying soft-shelled eggs on land.

Snakes

a long limbless reptile that has no eyelids, a short tail, and jaws that are capable of considerable extension. Some snakes have a venomous bite.

Lizards

a reptile that typically has a long body and tail, four legs, movable eyelids, and a rough, scaly, or spiny skin.

Crocodiles

a large predatory semiaquatic reptile with long jaws, long tail, short legs, and a horny textured skin, using submersion and stealth to approach prey unseen

Alligators

a large semiaquatic reptile similar to a crocodile but with a broader and shorter head, native to the Americas and China.

Turtles

a large marine reptile with a bony or leathery shell and flippers, coming ashore annually on sandy beaches to lay eggs.

Tortoises

a slow-moving type of turtle, enclosed in a scaly or leathery domed shell into which it can retract its head and thick legs. Usually a herbivore

Frogs

a tailless amphibian with a short squat body, moist smooth skin, and very long hind legs for leaping.

Toads

a tailless amphibian with a short stout body and short legs, typically having dry warty skin that can exude poison.

Newts

a small, slender-bodied amphibian with lungs and a well-developed tail, typically spending its adult life on land and returning to water to breed.

Salamanders

a newtlike amphibian that typically has bright markings