Vertebrates include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Analyze the common characteristics of reptiles and explain how they differ from mammals
Reptiles and mammals are both vertebrates, meaning they have a backbone. However, there are several key differences between these two groups.
Common characteristics of reptiles include:
1. Cold-blooded: Unlike mammals, reptiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
2. Scales: Reptiles have dry, scaly skin that helps protect them from their environment.
3. Lay eggs: Most reptiles lay eggs, with a few exceptions such as some species of snakes that give live birth.
4. Breathe through their lungs: Reptiles have lungs for respiration, unlike amphibians that also use their skin to absorb oxygen.
5. Three-chambered heart: Reptiles have a three-chambered heart, unlike the four-chambered heart found in mammals.
In contrast, mammals have several distinct characteristics that set them apart from reptiles:
1. Warm-blooded: Mammals are endothermic, meaning they can regulate their own body temperature internally.
2. Hair or fur: Mammals are typically covered in hair or fur, which helps insulate them and regulate body temperature.
3. Mammary glands: Female mammals have mammary glands that produce milk to nourish their young.
4. Live birth: Most mammals give birth to live young, rather than laying eggs.
5. Four-chambered heart: Mammals have a four-chambered heart, which allows for more efficient circulation of blood.
In summary, while reptiles and mammals share certain characteristics as vertebrates, they differ in terms of their body temperature regulation, skin covering, reproduction methods, and heart structure.