Post by herpalot on Nov 7, 2006 15:02:11 GMT -6
What is Herpetology?
Herpetology is defined as the scientific study of amphibians and reptiles. It is composed of numerous cross disciplines including behaviour, ecology, physiology, anatomy, paleontology, taxonomy, etc. of the animals in this grouping.
Herpetology as a branch of science seems to have it's roots based on the ancient tendency to group together all creeping animals. Note that the etymology of the word Herpetology means "creeping" in Greek [herpetos].
The study of these animals in a laboratory setting is made easier by the fact that many Herpetiles are very easy to maintain and breed in captivity. They are widely used in physilogical teachings. Herpetological research also includes the extraction and study of venom and it's effects. All Herpetiles are Vertebrates.
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What is an Amphibian?
Amphibians are a class of animals that have skin poison glands and mucous glands. The skin also has no feathers, scales, or hair. The living amphibians include Toads and Frogs, Salamanders, Newts, and Caecilians. Most amphibians start their life as aquatic larvae, and in subsequent stages metamorphise into their final adult stage.
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What is a Reptile?
Reptiles are an animal class of air breathing vertebrates that have scaley bodies and internal fertilization. They fall within an intermediate position of evolutionary development between the Amphibians and the Mammals and Birds. The living lineage of this animal class (Reptilia) includes the Turtles, Crocodiles, Snakes, Lizards, and Tuatra. The extinct reptiles include the Dinosaurs, Ichthyosaurs, and Pterosaurs.
Reptiles are Cold Blooded and have skin that is usually dry with few if any glands. They have four limbs protruding from the side, except for the Snakes. Though they are most abundant in the tropics, they can be found in all the warm and temperate regions. They span a variety of lengths from 34 millimeters (Gecko) to 9 meters (Anaconda Snake). The largest Turtle (Leatherback) weighs around 680 kilograms.
Herpetology is defined as the scientific study of amphibians and reptiles. It is composed of numerous cross disciplines including behaviour, ecology, physiology, anatomy, paleontology, taxonomy, etc. of the animals in this grouping.
Herpetology as a branch of science seems to have it's roots based on the ancient tendency to group together all creeping animals. Note that the etymology of the word Herpetology means "creeping" in Greek [herpetos].
The study of these animals in a laboratory setting is made easier by the fact that many Herpetiles are very easy to maintain and breed in captivity. They are widely used in physilogical teachings. Herpetological research also includes the extraction and study of venom and it's effects. All Herpetiles are Vertebrates.
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What is an Amphibian?
Amphibians are a class of animals that have skin poison glands and mucous glands. The skin also has no feathers, scales, or hair. The living amphibians include Toads and Frogs, Salamanders, Newts, and Caecilians. Most amphibians start their life as aquatic larvae, and in subsequent stages metamorphise into their final adult stage.
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What is a Reptile?
Reptiles are an animal class of air breathing vertebrates that have scaley bodies and internal fertilization. They fall within an intermediate position of evolutionary development between the Amphibians and the Mammals and Birds. The living lineage of this animal class (Reptilia) includes the Turtles, Crocodiles, Snakes, Lizards, and Tuatra. The extinct reptiles include the Dinosaurs, Ichthyosaurs, and Pterosaurs.
Reptiles are Cold Blooded and have skin that is usually dry with few if any glands. They have four limbs protruding from the side, except for the Snakes. Though they are most abundant in the tropics, they can be found in all the warm and temperate regions. They span a variety of lengths from 34 millimeters (Gecko) to 9 meters (Anaconda Snake). The largest Turtle (Leatherback) weighs around 680 kilograms.