What are the characteristics of a reptile?

All reptiles, including snakes, turtles, crocodiles and lizards, are equipped with air-breathing lungs, though different kinds of reptiles employ different means of respiration (for example, lizards breathe using the same muscles with which they run, which means they have to hold their breath while in motion, while crocodiles have more flexible diaphragms that allow for wider freedom of movement). read more

Characteristics of Reptiles. Reptiles have the following distinctive characteristics that put them in the class of reptiles: Reptiles have backbone and spines i.e. they are vertebrates. Reptiles have scales on their bodies and have a dry skin. Reptiles are cold blooded animals. Reptiles lay eggs. Reptiles have lungs and need air to breathe. read more