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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.Metamorphosis and Life Stages
Reptiles and amphibians differences are particularly visible in the stages of life. When reptile eggs hatch, the young look like miniature versions of the adults that they will grow into. The life cycle of a frog, as an example of an amphibian life cycle, however is quite different. Upon hatching, the amphibian emerges in the form of what looks like a tadpole, which breathes through gills. At this stage, the young amphibian cannot survive outside water, and has a tail. As it matures, it will grow in size and lose its tail, as well as develop lungs that will enable it to breathe on land, while retaining the ability to breathe underwater.

Defense
Amphibians like frogs can secrete toxins through their skin, which is their primary defense mechanism, though some terrestrial amphibians can also bite. Reptiles use their claws, and strong tails for structural defense, as well as bite. Reptiles like the komodo dragon (now an endangered species) contain venom either in their saliva while there are different types of snake venom that snakes use as their primary mode of defense.

Habitat
Reptiles and amphibians differences can also be seen in natural habitat. Although the word amphibian refers to the dual life that these creatures lead, with their ability to live on land as well as water, most amphibians inhabit damp places, close to a water source. Reptiles tend to inhabit more diverse locations and are generally land bound animals, with many lizards and snakes surviving in dry areas like deserts, though reptiles like crocodiles and alligators do live near water.

Reptiles and amphibians differences are not limited to the above listed points. Classification differences, for instance, continue down the order, as do physiological differences. Understanding basic characteristics can help in differentiation between these two fascinating groups of animals.

By Tilottama Chatterjee