More on reptiles

How do they live?

Most of them reproduce sexually. The male releases sperm. Fertilization occurs and the eggs develop into new reptiles. Most mate in the spring, and the young are born at summer. Most of the reptiles are oviparous - the female lays eggs with shells. A few are viviparous - the young receive nourishment in the mothers body, and the young are born alive.

Only a few species of reptiles provide care for their eggs or young. Among pythons, mud snakes, and some skinks, the female wraps her body around the eggs and protects them. A female alligator carries her newly hatched young to water in her mouth.

They eat other animal, though some are vegetarians. They grab and eat the prey. Croc's drown them and some paralyze them. Some crush them. They face little danger when they are adults, but when young, the reptiles must run from birds, mammals and other reptiles.

Protection.

The chief enemies of reptiles include birds, mammals, and other reptiles. Most of the enemies prey on small or young reptiles. Large adult reptiles generally are safe from all attackers except people.

Reptiles avoid their enemies in a variety of ways. Many reptiles have protective coloration that blends with their surroundings and makes them hard to see. Several kinds of lizards, such as chameleons and anoles, can change colour to match their surroundings. Other reptiles bluff or play tricks to avoid attack. For example, if a hognose snake is approached, it rolls over on its back and lies completely motionless. The snake plays dead until the attacker goes away.

From where did they evolve and when?

The oldest fossil is prom Pennsylvanian Period - from 330 million years ago for 40 million years. They came from amphibians which live near water as the eggs must be moist. Thus reptiles made shells hard, so the water in the egg does not evaporate.

They were at their peak in the Mesozoic time - 240 million years to 63 million years. This is the age of reptiles. The dinosaurs ruled at this time.

These poor animals suddenly died in large numbers.

The future? They are declining due to human activities. They are endangered. Some steps are being taken to save them, and the result is yet to be seen.