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Amphibian & Reptile Fact Sheets
If somebody asks you what the difference between an amphibian and a reptile is, here’s what you can tell them: Amphibians and reptiles are “ectotherms." This means that they don’t generate their own body heat—instead, they get their body heat from their surroundings. They’re also both vertebrates, meaning they have a spine or backbone. But that’s where the similarities end. In Canada, reptiles lay their eggs on land, whereas many amphibians lay theirs in water. (Not all amphibians and reptiles lay eggs, though; a large number of species give birth to live young.) The skin of most amphibians is not waterproof like reptile skin. And although most amphibians have lungs, the majority can also breathe through their skin and the lining of their mouth, whereas most reptiles do not. And here’s one more bit of information before you explore this section: The word “amphibian” means “two lives,” referring to the change that many frogs and salamanders undergo from tadpole to adult form. Select Fact Sheet:
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