What Are The Key Differences Between Reptiles And Amphibians In Skin Reproduction And Habitat
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 –
Prefers to live in warm habitats
Presence of nasal slits and Jacobson's organ (except in crocodile and turtle)
Body covered by scales
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
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
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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 Vedantu!
FAQs on Differences Between Reptiles And Amphibians Explained Clearly
1. What is the main difference between reptiles and amphibians?
The main difference between reptiles and amphibians is that reptiles have dry, scaly skin and lay amniotic eggs on land, while amphibians have moist skin and usually lay eggs in water.
- Reptiles: Dry, keratinized scales; fully adapted to land; internal fertilization.
- Amphibians: Moist, permeable skin; life cycle includes aquatic stage; mostly external fertilization.
- Reptiles do not undergo metamorphosis, but amphibians typically do.
2. What are the characteristics of reptiles?
Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates with dry, scaly skin and lungs for breathing.
- Skin covered with keratinized scales.
- Breathe only through lungs.
- Lay amniotic eggs with leathery shells (most species).
- Internal fertilization.
- Examples: snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles.
3. What are the characteristics of amphibians?
Amphibians are cold-blooded vertebrates that live both in water and on land and have moist, permeable skin.
- Smooth, moist skin without scales.
- Lay jelly-like eggs in water.
- Undergo metamorphosis (e.g., tadpole to frog).
- Respire through gills, lungs, and skin depending on life stage.
- Examples: frogs, toads, salamanders.
4. How does reproduction differ between reptiles and amphibians?
Reptiles reproduce through internal fertilization and lay amniotic eggs on land, while amphibians usually reproduce through external fertilization in water.
- Reptiles: Internal fertilization; eggs with protective shells; no larval stage.
- Amphibians: Mostly external fertilization; soft jelly-like eggs; aquatic larval stage.
- Amphibians require water for reproduction, but reptiles generally do not.
5. Do reptiles and amphibians undergo metamorphosis?
Amphibians undergo metamorphosis, whereas reptiles do not.
- In amphibians, metamorphosis transforms a larva (e.g., tadpole with gills) into an adult with lungs.
- Reptile young resemble miniature adults at birth or hatching.
- This difference reflects amphibians’ dual life in water and on land.
6. How does skin differ in reptiles and amphibians?
Reptiles have dry, scaly, waterproof skin, while amphibians have moist, permeable skin used for gas exchange.
- Reptilian skin: Covered with keratin scales; prevents water loss.
- Amphibian skin: Thin and glandular; allows cutaneous respiration.
- Amphibians must stay in moist environments to avoid dehydration.
7. Why do amphibians need water but reptiles do not?
Amphibians need water because their skin is permeable and their eggs lack protective shells, whereas reptiles have adaptations that prevent water loss.
- Amphibian eggs are shell-less and can dry out easily.
- Many amphibians rely on cutaneous respiration.
- Reptiles have amniotic eggs and waterproof skin, allowing full terrestrial life.
8. Are reptiles and amphibians cold-blooded?
Yes, both reptiles and amphibians are ectothermic (cold-blooded), meaning their body temperature depends on the environment.
- They regulate temperature through behavior, such as basking in the sun.
- They do not generate constant internal heat like mammals or birds.
- This affects their activity levels in different climates.
9. What are examples of reptiles and amphibians?
Examples of reptiles include snakes and turtles, while examples of amphibians include frogs and salamanders.
- Reptiles: Snake, lizard, crocodile, turtle.
- Amphibians: Frog, toad, salamander, newt.
- Reptiles belong to class Reptilia, and amphibians belong to class Amphibia.
10. What is the difference between reptile eggs and amphibian eggs?
Reptile eggs have a protective amniotic shell, while amphibian eggs are soft, jelly-like, and laid in water.
- Reptile eggs: Contain an amnion; leathery or hard shell; laid on land.
- Amphibian eggs: No shell; surrounded by jelly; require aquatic environment.
- The amniotic egg is a key adaptation for terrestrial reproduction.
