Reptiles and Amphibians
53 questions tagged Reptiles and Amphibians — spanning every one of the seven Ws.
What is a reptile and how is it different from an amphibian?
A reptile is a cold-blooded vertebrate with dry, scaly skin, while an amphibian usually has moist skin and often lives both in water and on land during its life cycle.
What is the Jacobson's organ in reptiles and amphibians?
The Jacobson's organ, also called the vomeronasal organ, helps many reptiles and amphibians detect chemical cues in the environment.
What is the nictitating membrane in frogs and reptiles?
The nictitating membrane is a transparent inner eyelid that helps protect and moisten the eyes.
What is the cloaca in reptiles and amphibians?
The cloaca is a single opening used for digestion, reproduction and waste removal in reptiles and amphibians.
When did scientists first describe the axolotl species scientifically?
The axolotl was first scientifically described in 1789 by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin.
When did the tuatara first get scientifically described?
The tuatara was first scientifically described in 1831.
When was the green tree frog first scientifically described?
The Australian green tree frog was first scientifically described in 1790.
When did scientists first describe the king cobra?
The king cobra was first scientifically described in 1836.
When was the marine iguana first scientifically described?
The marine iguana was first scientifically described in 1825.
When did scientists first describe the African bullfrog?
The African bullfrog was first scientifically described in 1827.
When was the gharial first scientifically described?
The gharial was first scientifically described in 1807.
When did scientists first describe the leatherback sea turtle?
The leatherback sea turtle was first scientifically described in 1761.
When was the red-eyed tree frog first scientifically described?
The red-eyed tree frog was first scientifically described in 1862.
When did scientists first describe the Burmese python?
The Burmese python was first scientifically described in 1801.
When was the poison dart frog first scientifically described?
The golden poison dart frog was first scientifically described in 1855.
When was the boa constrictor first scientifically described?
The boa constrictor was first scientifically described in 1758.
When was the axolotl first used in scientific regeneration experiments?
Axolotls began attracting regeneration research in the late 19th century, especially from the 1860s onward.
When was the first scientifically recorded giant salamander described in Japan?
The Japanese giant salamander was first scientifically described in 1820.
When did scientists first describe the chameleon species Brookesia micra?
Brookesia micra was first scientifically described in 2012.
When was the glass frog first scientifically described?
Glass frogs were first scientifically described in the early 19th century, with the group established in the 1800s.
When did scientists first describe the Nile crocodile?
The Nile crocodile was first scientifically described in 1758.
When was the olm first scientifically described?
The olm was first scientifically described in 1768.
When was the common frog first scientifically described?
The common frog was first scientifically described in 1758.
When did scientists first describe the spiny-tailed lizard Uromastyx aegyptia?
Uromastyx aegyptia was first scientifically described in 1827.
When was the poison-arrow frog group first brought into scientific taxonomy?
Poison dart frogs were recognized in science during the 19th century, with many species described in the 1800s.
When did scientists first describe the American alligator?
The American alligator was first scientifically described in 1802.
When was the cane toad first scientifically described?
The cane toad was first scientifically described in 1844.
When did scientists first describe the thorny devil?
The thorny devil was first scientifically described in 1841.
Which frog is the largest in the world?
The goliath frog (Conraua goliath) is the largest living frog. It can grow to about 32 cm long and weigh around 3.3 kg.
Which salamander is the largest in the world?
The Chinese giant salamander is the largest living amphibian. It can grow to around 1.8 m long, though modern wild individuals are often much smaller.
Which salamander is the smallest known amphibian?
One of the smallest known amphibians is the minute salamander, with adults around 3 to 4 cm long. Tiny species like this show how small salamanders can be while still being fully mature.
Which amphibian has the longest larval stage?
The olm can spend an exceptionally long time as a larva, often many years, and may not become fully mature for more than a decade. In stable cave conditions, it can remain in a juvenile-like state for most of its life.
Which turtle has the longest lifespan?
The Aldabra giant tortoise is among the longest-lived reptiles, with some individuals reaching well over 150 years. Famous tortoises such as Jonathan have been recorded at more than 190 years old.
Which turtle is the largest freshwater turtle?
The Yangtze giant softshell turtle is the largest freshwater turtle species, though it is critically endangered. It can weigh well over 100 kg, with some historical reports even higher.
Which turtle is the smallest in the world?
The speckled padloper tortoise is widely regarded as the smallest turtle species. Adults are only about 6 to 8 cm long.
Which turtle has the longest migration?
The leatherback sea turtle is famous for very long migrations, with some individuals traveling thousands of kilometers across oceans. Satellite tracking has recorded journeys of more than 15,000 km in some cases.
Which snake has the longest venomous fangs?
Gaboon vipers have the longest venomous fangs of any snake, reaching around 5 cm long. Their huge fangs deliver a powerful venom deep into prey.
Which snake is the longest venomous snake in the world?
The king cobra is the longest venomous snake. It can grow to about 5.5 meters, with some rare individuals reported slightly longer.
Which snake is the heaviest in the world?
The green anaconda is generally considered the heaviest snake. Large individuals can exceed 100 kg, and exceptional specimens may be even heavier.
Which snake has the largest eyes relative to its body size?
Many arboreal snakes have proportionally large eyes, but the vine snake is especially notable for its enlarged eye size relative to its slender body. Large eyes help it detect movement and hunt in trees.
Which crocodilian is the largest living reptile?
The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile. Big males can reach about 6 m, and exceptional individuals may be even longer.
Which crocodilian has the narrowest snout?
The gharial has the narrowest snout of any living crocodilian. Its long, thin jaws are specialized for catching fish.
Which reptile has the hardest shell?
Turtles and tortoises have shells made of bone and keratin, but the shell of a box turtle is especially tough because it can close tightly. There is no single universal “hardest shell” record, but box turtles are among the best-protected.
Which lizard has the longest tail relative to its body?
Many skinks and other lizards have very long tails, but some whiptails and grass lizards are especially extreme. In certain species, the tail can be several times the body length.
Which reptile can live the longest without food?
Large snakes and crocodilians can go for long periods without food, but some reptiles can survive months without eating. The exact record depends on species, age, temperature, and body size.
Which amphibian is known for the most extreme skin breathing?
The olm is one of the most extreme skin-breathing amphibians, relying heavily on cutaneous respiration. Its cave lifestyle makes skin and gills especially important for gas exchange.
Which amphibian has the shortest adult lifespan?
Many tiny frogs and salamanders live only a few years, but lifespan varies widely by species. Short-lived amphibians often mature quickly and live in unstable environments.
Which reptile has the fastest strike?
Some vipers have extremely fast strikes, and the common adder is famous for lightning-quick attacks. Strike speed varies by species, but viper strikes are among the fastest movements in reptiles.
Which turtle species is the most endangered by fishing nets?
Leatherback sea turtles are among the most threatened by entanglement in fishing gear, especially longlines and gillnets. Bycatch is a major conservation problem for many sea turtles.
Which amphibian is the largest by weight?
The Chinese giant salamander is the largest amphibian by weight as well as by length. It has historically been reported at around 50 kg or more in exceptional cases.
Which reptile has the longest lifespan in captivity?
Giant tortoises are the best-known long-lived reptiles in captivity, and some have lived for more than 180 years. Jonathan is one of the most famous examples, at over 190 years old.
Which reptile has the largest eyes?
Among reptiles, large-eyed geckos and some snakes are notable, but no single universal record is universally established across all reptiles. Proportionally, many nocturnal geckos have the most oversized eyes.
How do frogs and reptiles keep from drying out in hot weather?
They use behavior and body adaptations such as hiding in shade, burrows, or water, and many are most active at cooler times of day. Some also have skin or scales that reduce water loss.