Lecture Notes on Reptiles

Vocabulary flashcards related to the study of reptiles, including terminology and definitions for key concepts discussed in the lecture.

Amniotes

A group of animals that evolved from amphibians and can reproduce on land without returning to water.

Temporal fenestrae

Openings in the skull that allow for the attachment of jaw muscles, significant in the classification of reptiles.

Ectothermic

Organisms that rely on external heat sources for temperature regulation, common in reptiles.

Amniotic egg

An egg that allows for development on land, with adaptations like waterproof layers to protect the embryo.

Rhynchocephalia

An order of reptiles including tuataras, often called 'living fossils' as they have existed for over 200 million years.

Squamata

An order of reptiles that includes lizards and snakes, characterized by their flexible body structure.

Crocodylia

An order that includes crocodiles, alligators, and caimans, known for their semi-aquatic lifestyle and parental care.

Chromatophores

Skin cells in some reptiles that allow them to change color for communication and camouflage.

Oviparous

Refers to reptiles that primarily lay eggs, with about 85% of reptiles reproducing this way.

3-chambered heart

A heart structure found in most reptiles featuring 2 atria and 1 ventricle, allowing some mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

What are amniotes?

A group of animals that evolved from amphibians and can reproduce on land without returning to water.

What are temporal fenestrae?

Openings in the skull that allow for the attachment of jaw muscles, significant in the classification of reptiles.

What does ectothermic mean?

Organisms that rely on external heat sources for temperature regulation, common in reptiles.

What is an amniotic egg?

An egg that allows for development on land, with adaptations like waterproof layers to protect the embryo.

What is Rhynchocephalia?

An order of reptiles including tuataras, often called 'living fossils' as they have existed for over 200 million years.

What are Squamata?

An order of reptiles that includes lizards and snakes, characterized by their flexible body structure.

What is Crocodylia?

An order that includes crocodiles, alligators, and caimans, known for their semi-aquatic lifestyle and parental care.

What are chromatophores?

Skin cells in some reptiles that allow them to change color for communication and camouflage.

What does oviparous mean?

Refers to reptiles that primarily lay eggs, with about 85% of reptiles reproducing this way.

What is a 3-chambered heart?

A heart structure found in most reptiles featuring 2 atria and 1 ventricle, allowing some mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

What does ectothermic adaptation imply?

Ectothermic adaptation implies that reptiles adjust their behavior and habitat to regulate their body temperature, such as basking in the sun to warm up or seeking shade to cool down.

How do chromatophores function in reptiles?

Chromatophores contain pigments and expand or contract to produce color changes in the skin, aiding in camouflage and communication.

What is the importance of amniotic eggs?

Amniotic eggs are crucial for terrestrial reproduction, as they prevent desiccation, allowing embryos to develop safely on land.

What distinguishes squamates from other reptiles?

Squamates are distinguished by their unique skin structure, which is covered in scales, as well as their ability to shed skin periodically.

How does parental care manifest in Crocodylia?

In Crocodylia, parental care involves guarding eggs, assisting hatchlings to water, and sometimes nurturing them for a period after birth.