What is a Reptile? Definition, Meaning, and Examples

The correct meaning of 'reptile' is: a type of animal, such as a snake or lizard, whose body temperature changes according to the temperature around it, and that usually lays eggs to have babies.

Reptiles are a fascinating group of animals with unique characteristics. Here are some key features:

• Cold-blooded: Unlike mammals and birds, reptiles can't regulate their own body temperature internally. They rely on external sources like the sun to warm up or cool down.* Scales or Scutes: Reptiles have tough, protective scales or scutes covering their bodies, providing insulation and preventing water loss.* Egg-laying: Most reptiles reproduce by laying eggs, although some species give birth to live young.

Examples of reptiles include snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles, and alligators. They inhabit a wide range of habitats around the world, from deserts to rainforests to oceans.