The following article discusses the subtle differences between reptiles and amphibians. In general, they are grouped in biological classifications because their cold-blooded structure gives them common characteristics and evolutionary history. However, crocodiles and alligators are not included in this article because they are considered by many to be more closely related to birds than amphibians or reptiles. Students should keep in mind that all reptiles and amphibians also share some common features such as dry skin (instead of hair), scales (or feathers), lungs (instead of a diaphragm), and laying eggs (excluding live birth).
What are Reptiles?
The term reptile originated from Latin “repere”. It meant “to crawl”, which is a defining aspect of reptiles. Those are members of Class Reptilia which are cold-blooded animals. Moreover, it has four orders –
-
Crocodilia
Example – Crocodile, alligator
-
Squamata
Example – lizard, snake
-
Testudines
Example – Turtle, tortoise
-
Sphenodontia
Example – Tuataras
Characteristics of Reptiles
The main characteristics are –
Note that the main difference between mammals and reptiles can be seen in body covering. The presence of body hair is a defining characteristic of mammals, whereas reptiles have a keratin epidermal layer called scales. Consequently, mammals have sweat glands that are not present in reptiles.
What are Amphibians?
Amphibians are members of Class Amphibia, which live both on land and water. Furthermore, it primarily comprises three orders –
-
Anura
Example – Frog
-
Urodela
Example – Salamander
-
Apoda
Example – Caecilians
Characteristics of Amphibians
The main characteristics are –
-
Amphibians cannot regulate body temperature
-
Existence of larval stage that starts after eggs are hatched
-
They can live both inland and in water. Hence, amphibians can breathe both through gills and lungs.
Fun Facts!
While reproduction of any living being is a natural course, in the case of reptiles, it is dependent on temperature to a large extent. In addition, most of the reptiles lay eggs except pythons and boas, which give birth to young ones.
Moreover, it is the soil temperature that determines whether the new hatchling will be male or female!
Difference Between Amphibians and Reptiles
|
Parameters |
Amphibians |
Reptiles |
|
Respiration |
Can breathe through lungs and gills |
Can breathe only through lungs |
|
Habitation |
The larval stage takes place in an aquatic environment, and on development it becomes terrestrial |
Mostly live on land, but exceptions are present, such as snakes, of which some species live underwater as well |
|
Circulatory system |
Heart is 3-chambered |
The heart is 3-chambered with a partial septum separating the ventricle |
|
Body sheath |
Moist and smooth sheath covered by sticky mucus |
Scales or Scutes made up of Keratin cover the body |
|
Fertilization mode |
Exhibits external mode of fertilization |
Exhibits internal mode of fertilization |
|
Reproduction |
Displays ovoviviparity where embryos within eggs remain in mother’s body till hatching |
Displays oviparity where amniotic eggs have hard shell protects the embryo |
It is considered that reptiles primarily originated from amphibians, environmental factors led to the evolution of the former species. Thereby, the unique features apparent in amphibians and reptiles’ differences helped to ensure the survival of these species.
Similarities Between Amphibians and Reptiles
Even though there are differences between amphibians and reptiles in points, owing to amphibians previously zoologically classified as reptiles leads to similarities shared by the species. Both belong to the phylum Chordata and subphylum Vertebrata.
-
Body metabolism is ectothermic. That is, body temperature changes corresponding to extraneous factors
-
Omnivorous eating habit
-
Presence of the cloaca as the common outlet for intestinal, urinary and genital functions
-
Reflex spinal segments help in locomotion
Test Your Knowledge
i. Reptile Eggs are Also –
(a) Waterless
(b) Amniotic
(c) Prehistoric
(d) Gigantor
ii. Tail-Less Amphibian Found Under Which Order?
(a) Order Anura
(b) Order Caudata
(c) Order Gymnophiona
(d) Both under order Gymnophiona
and order Caudata
You can learn more about related topics from the resources available over ‘s platform or download the free PDFs. Don’t forget to install the app on a device of your choice!
Conclusion
Reptiles and amphibians are two different types of animals belonging to the kingdom Animalia. The main difference between amphibians and reptiles can be seen in their physiological adaptations, body covering, mode of reproduction, egg structure and presence/absence of limbs. Reptiles are cold-blooded animals whose skin is covered by scales, whereas amphibians are those whose skin lacks scales and is poisonous. Amphibians metamorphosis as they grow, whereas reptiles do not undergo such a process. Reptiles lay eggs, whereas amphibians give birth to live young ones. Furthermore, it is the soil temperature that determines whether baby reptiles will be male or female!
Hope you all liked this article on the difference between amphibians and reptiles. Keep learning, and stay tuned to !