Introducing The Reptiles
The family of reptiles is made up of turtles, lizards, snakes, different kinds of crocodiles, and a small group in Southeast Asia called tuataras. Some people think that snakes and lizards are slimy, but all reptiles are covered with dry, horny scales. These scales might be hard to notice for animals like the turtle, whose large scales (or plates) have grown together into one hard shell. Not only have the plates grown together, but the turtle's backbone has also grown into the shell!
All reptiles have to be really aware of how cold or hot they get, for their body temperature depends on the temperature of their surroundings. They spend much of their time doing two things: looking (or waiting) for food, and moving between sunny spots and shady (or wet) spots to warm up or cool off. If a reptile gets too warm, they can get very sick, and if it gets too cool, it is hard for the animal to have enough energy to move to a warmer spot. These warm spots are often the places that you find reptiles: turtles that come out of the water to sit on a rock or tree branch, and lizards that sit on a fence or sunny wall in order to catch the rays of the sun. Sometimes this search for warmth can dangerous, like the snakes that lie on a warm road at night.
Contents include:
Understanding Reptiles
Raising A Reptile As A Pet
Reptile History
Watch Out For Reptiles
A Lizard's Eye View Of Life As A Reptile
What Types Of Lizards Make Good Reptile Pets?
The Responsible Reptile Owner
Gigantic Reptiles!
Which Reptiles Do Not Make Good Pets?
Dangerous Reptiles
Snakes As Reptile Pets
Rattlers - The Dangerous Reptiles
Choosing A Vet For Your Reptile
Reptile Accessories And Supplies
Reptiles Have Special Needs
The Slow And Steady Reptile: The Turtle
Searching For Small Reptiles
Setting Up A Terrarium For Your Reptile
Vacation With A Reptile!
A Day In The Life Of A Fascinating Reptile, The Alligator
Where To Buy A Reptile To Keep As A Pet
Safety With Reptiles
