Question

1 name four characteristic features of reptiles that have contributed directly to their success in terrestrial habitats.
2 define ectothermic.
3 match the type of skull with each group of animals that possesses it. (some letters will be used more than once.)
turtles a. synapsid
birds b. diapsid
mammals c. anapsid
lizards
snakes
crocodiles
4 explain how the reptile heart (turtle) differs from the heart of an amphibian (frog).
5 describe five ways in which alligators and crocodiles differ from other reptiles we have studied.

Explanation:

1. Reptile terrestrial success features: Reptiles have scaly skin which prevents water - loss, amniotic eggs that allow reproduction on land, efficient lungs for air - breathing, and behavioral thermoregulation to adapt to temperature changes.
2. Ectothermic definition: Ectothermic organisms are those that rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
3. Skull - animal matching: Turtles are anapsids (c), birds are diapsids (b), mammals are synapsids (a), lizards are diapsids (b), snakes are diapsids (b), crocodiles are diapsids (b).
4. Reptile - amphibian heart difference: The turtle (reptile) heart has a more complete septum in the ventricle, reducing the mixing of oxygenated and de - oxygenated blood compared to the frog (amphibian) heart which has a less complete septum and more blood mixing.
5. Alligators/crocodiles vs other reptiles: Alligators and crocodiles have a more advanced four - chambered heart compared to most other reptiles, they have a secondary palate that allows them to breathe while holding prey in their mouths, they are more social than many other reptiles, they have a more powerful bite force, and they often live in more aquatic - dominated habitats compared to some other reptiles.

Answer:

1. Scaly skin, amniotic eggs, efficient lungs, behavioral thermoregulation
2. Organisms relying on external heat sources for body - temperature regulation
3. Turtles: c, Birds: b, Mammals: a, Lizards: b, Snakes: b, Crocodiles: b
4. Turtle (reptile) has more complete ventricular septum reducing blood mixing compared to frog (amphibian).
5. More advanced four - chambered heart, secondary palate, more social, more powerful bite force, more aquatic - dominated habitats