The world of reptiles is an interesting one! Some reptiles are adored, or loved, by people while other reptiles are feared by people! Turtles, lizards, and snakes are often kept as pets, but alligators, crocodiles, and some very large iguanas are best left in the wild!

Reptiles are vertebrates and have some things in common. They have dry, scaly skin. Reptiles are cold-blooded, which means that their body temperature stays about the same as the temperature of their surroundings. As the temperature outdoors changes, the reptile's body temperature changes, too!

Reptiles live on the land and in the water, but even the reptiles that live in the water most of the time breathe with lungs. Sometimes lazy alligators and crocodiles will lie in the water with only their nostrils, or noses, sticking out. Turtles stick their heads out of the water, too, to breathe in oxygen.

All reptiles hatch from eggs . Some eggs are laid in a nest by the mother. All turtles, crocodiles, and some lizards and snakes lay eggs with shells. Other snake and lizard mothers, however, protect the eggs inside their bodies until they hatch. These babies are born alive! A mother alligator will carry her babies to the water, but not many reptiles care for their eggs or their babies.