Reptiles and amphibians share a number of similarities, for instance, they are both cold blooded or ectomorphic, meaning their body temperatures fluctuate depending on their surroundings, both lay eggs when reproducing, both are vertebrates (have a backbone) and so on. Evolutionary evidence now supports the fact that both these groups are closely related; in fact for many years, both amphibians and reptiles, were grouped together under the subject of Herpetology, which is derived from the Greek word herpeton, which means ‘crawling things’ – thus the study of creeping, crawling things. However, reptiles and amphibians differences begin from the basis of biological classification, continuing through anatomy, physiology and reproduction patterns. Common examples of reptiles are snakes, lizards, and crocodiles, while amphibians include frogs, newts and salamanders. To understand the characteristics of amphibian vs reptile, and some unusual animal facts, read on.

Amphibian Vs Reptile

Classification
Although both reptiles and amphibians belong to the Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata and Sub Phylum Vertebrata, the similarities in zoological classification end there. While amphibians belong to the superclass Tetrapoda and the Class Amphibia, reptiles are unranked at superclass level, and belong to the series Amniota and the Class Reptilia.

External Appearance
The most easily visible difference between a reptile and an amphibian is in the body surface structure. Reptiles are covered in scales, shields or plates, which makes them feel dry and scaly. Amphibians on the other hand, have moist, mainly smooth, sometimes slightly slimy or sticky skin; the skin contains mucous glands which contribute to this feeling. Another difference that’s easy to spot is that reptiles have toes with claws, while amphibians lack claws.

Reproduction
Though both amphibians and reptiles reproduce by laying eggs, the structure of the eggs are different. Reptile eggs have hard, leathery shells, which protect the young, and they are generally laid in nests, or buried underground. Amphibians lay eggs which lack a protective membrane, and are generally found adhering to the stems of underwater plants. Read the rest of this entry »