15 Fun Reptile Facts: How Many Do You Know?

Reptiles should be considered much more than just a creature to be afraid of or an animal for entertainment in circus. Florida is home land of various reptiles thus it is necessary to educate tourists and local population regarding reptile facts and problems that emerge as we approach in their natural habitat. 

21st October National reptile awareness day seems to be a perfect opportunity to discuss and ponder over these animals. Most importantly information about their lifestyle and how can we protect them from being extinct. 

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What is a Reptile?

Reptiles are cold blooded creatures, in other words they cannot maintain their own body temperature. As a result reptiles are usually located in warm climates where they can enjoy sunlight and hard rocks. When weather is cold these creatures either hibernate or seek refuge in warm places in order to protect them from extreme weather conditions. Some reptiles assume a state where their metabolism is so slow that they can easily survive in limited resources.

Reptile Facts in Science

Humans are living example of warm blooded creatures, thus are able to regulate body heat via food and various other forms of energies. 

Reptiles like turtles, crocodiles and lizards have dry, scaly skin. Fun reptile fact, some of these reptiles like crocodiles are more closely related to birds than other reptiles like lizards. Isn’t that strange?

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There are some interesting fun facts about reptiles, would you like to know some. 

15 Facts about Reptiles

Following reptile facts are worth knowing.

1. Lizards cannot sense warm or cold as humans do. Instead their locomotion and speed is directly affected by atmospheric temperature. For instance they cannot sense cold but they will make themselves slow whenever they experience cold climate. Isn’t that amazing?
2. Green iguanas are known for their immobility in cold atmosphere. Places like south Florida are usually very cold, and we usually see iguanas drop out of tress onto the ground just like dead creatures. In fact these are just normal iguanas who respond to cold by complete immobity. However, one should never try to move frozen iguana or else it might be frightened and behave aggressively.
3. Green iguanas are not originated in South Florida. They were originally imported as a pet animal, which was later released into nature where they survived and reproduced. We should never release an animal into wild as it might alter the natural ecosystem.
4. One of the earliest reptiles was discovered 312 million years ago.
5. Though reptiles are populated in warm areas yet they can be found in every continent irrespective of its climate, except Antarctica.
6. Reptiles come in all shapes and sizes. Amongst them, the tinniest is the gecko which is under an inch while the largest reptile is a saltwater crocodile that grows up to 20 meters. From Reptiles Life says, a properly cared for crested gecko can live for around 15 to 20 years in captivity! While small in size, cresties have a surprisingly long lifespan.
7. A crocodile can live up to half a year without eating. That’s why a crocodile can survive food shortages in an area for long enough until they find a new source of food.
8. All reptiles breathe via lungs.

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1. All reptiles except crocodile hold their breathing while swallowing in order to avoid food impaction. Crocodiles however have a secondary palate that allows breathing and swallowing simultaneously.
2.  Fun fact about green sea turtle is that they do not breathe while walking. Instead they either stop to breathe or wait until they reach their nest.
3.  Turtles’ lungs are situated on the under surface of their shells.
4.  Reptiles’ skin is impermeable to water thus does not become soggy when swimming. 
5. Reptiles shed their skin quite often.
6. Snakes shed their skin as a whole while lizards shed theirs in patches.
7.  Charles Darwin was the first person to notice that Galapagos turtles can store up to 20% of its body weight in its bladder. Which drives another reptile fun fact that is Galapagos turtles’ bladder is disproportionately large as compare to its body.

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To sum up, reptiles are important creation of nature who help in maintaining a proper functioning ecosystem. Reptiles are wild animals, some people keep them as pets and pamper them with reptile supplies. While as an individual it is our responsibility to educate our children regarding worth and respect of these creatures in our world.