Reptiles and Snakes Lecture Notes

A collection of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on reptiles, particularly focusing on the taxonomy and characteristics of snakes and lizards.

Class Reptilia

A class of animals that includes reptiles, characterized by dry scaly skin and typically laying eggs.

Order Squamata

An order of reptiles that includes snakes and lizards, which are characterized by their scaly skin and flexible jaws.

Cloacal opening

A transverse slit in reptiles used for excretion and reproduction.

Jacobson’s Organ

A chemoreceptor in the roof of the mouth of snakes and lizards used for sensing odors.

Hemipenes

Paired copulatory organs found in male squamates.

Suborder Serpentes

A suborder within the class Reptilia that includes all snakes.

Family Colubridae

The largest family of snakes, known for its diverse members, most of which are non-venomous.

Pit Vipers

A family of venomous snakes, characterized by their heat-sensing pits, retractable fangs, and stout bodies.

Infrared receptor

A sensory organ in pit vipers that allows them to detect changes in temperature, aiding in hunting.

Urotomy/Autotomy

The ability of some lizards to shed their tail as a defense mechanism.

Sexual dimorphism

Distinct differences in size or appearance between the sexes of the same species, such as in snakes.

Nonvenomous Snakes

Snakes that lack venomous fangs and generally have round pupils and divided scales on their tails.

Venomous Snakes

Snakes that have specialized fangs through which they deliver venom, usually possessing elliptical pupils and triangular heads.

Endangered species

A species at risk of extinction due to habitat loss or other threats.

Aquatic habitat

Water-based environments where certain species of snakes thrive.

Diurnal

Active during the day, a characteristic of some lizard families such as Scincidae.

Suborder Iguania

A suborder of lizards that includes families like Polychrotidae and Phrynosomatidae.