What is the difference between amphibians and reptiles?

Reptiles and amphibians are distantly related to each other but in spite of some similarities, they can be distinguished by their physical appearance and different stages of life. Amphibians live "double lives" — one in water with gills and the other on land by growing lungs as they age. read more

One difference between the two is the structure of their outer skin. Reptiles are covered with scales, shields, or plates, and their toes have claws. Amphibians, on the other hand, have moist, glandular skins, and their toes lack claws. read more

Those keeping reptiles or amphibians are affectionately called 'herpers.' The name is derived from herpetology which is a branch of zoology that studies reptiles and amphibians. Herpetology includes turtles, snakes, lizards, tortoises, amphisbaenids, crocodiles, toads, frogs, caecilians, newts and salamanders. read more