The importance of reptiles for humans. Biology at the Lyceum

The importance of reptiles in human life and nature is enormous, although few people think about it.

The meaning of reptiles in nature

Reptiles(reptiles) - a class of primarily terrestrial vertebrates, including turtles, crocodiles, lizards and snakes.

Reptiles are of great importance in the biotic cycle of substances. Many reptiles serve as food for commercial animals, in particular foxes and ferrets. They also regulate the numbers of other living organisms in nature.

The importance of reptiles in human life

Most species of lizards and snakes, destroying insects, mollusks and rodents that harm agriculture, are of great benefit. However, some species of reptiles are harmful. At fish-breeding stations, water snakes cause serious harm, destroying a large number of fry of commercial fish: carp, salmon, sturgeon.

Reptiles can serve as a source of raw materials for industry. For a long time, the skin of crocodile, large snakes and lizards was used to make suitcases, briefcases, shoes, etc.

Turtles and their eggs have been eaten for a long time. Beautiful combs, hairpins, and eyeglass frames were made from the horny scutes of turtle shells.

A sharp drop in the number of crocodiles and turtles forced them to be placed under protection; now many species are included in the Red Book.

Snake venom is widely used in medicine, for example, in the manufacture of medicinal ointments. Snake nurseries have been created to obtain venom. The largest of them operate in Tashkent and Bishkek. Cobras, vipers, sand ephs and other poisonous snakes are kept here. But for people, poisonous snake bites are extremely dangerous; thousands of people die from snake bites every year.

The meaning of reptiles in nature

Reptiles are a link in food chains of different biogeocenoses. They act as food for many vertebrate animals (birds of prey), while at the same time they themselves feed on invertebrates (molluscs, worms) and small vertebrate animals (insects, rodents). Reptiles are food for game animals (ferrets, foxes). Crocodiles and snakes play the role of peculiar orderlies of terrestrial and aquatic biogeocenoses, destroying sick and weakened animals.

The importance of reptiles in human life

Humans eat eggs and meat of certain species of lizards (monitor lizards, iguanas), turtles, snakes, and crocodiles.

Turtles are a commercial object.

Example 1

The green sea turtle (soup turtle) reaches a length of 2 m and a weight of 450 kg. Its eggs, meat, and fat are eaten. Turtle soup, which is prepared from this species of turtle, is known throughout the world. In Kazakhstan and Central Asia, the steppe turtle is eaten.

In Asia, Latin America and Africa, snakes are a gastronomic delicacy. Some restaurants in Asia offer up to 75 dishes made from snake meat. Snake meat is boiled, fried, stuffed, stewed, marinated with various spices and herbs, etc. Residents of Southern China cannot imagine their diet without snake meat. Usually snakes are eaten during the cold season, that is, from October to March. The Chinese associate the snake with a positive masculine principle; they believe that snake meat “warms up” the blood.

Representatives of Scalys destroy agricultural pests. Thus, snakes eat rodents, and lizards eat a variety of insects.

A variety of decorative items are made from the skin of crocodiles and turtle shells. Boxes, combs, spectacle frames, and various jewelry are made from turtle shells. The skin of crocodiles and some large snakes is a valuable leather material from which belts, bags, suitcases, and shoes are made. In Cuba and the USA there are special farms for breeding crocodiles.

In a number of countries (Africa, South Asia, America), non-venomous snakes that feed on small rodents are kept in residential premises instead of cats.

Reptiles: chameleons, turtles, chameleons, snakes often become inhabitants of home terrariums.

Snake venom plays a significant role in medicine in the manufacture of a number of medicines. Vipratox, Lachesis are used for spasm of heart vessels, rheumatism, bronchial asthma. Medicines made from snake venom are used in the treatment of hemophilia and epilepsy. In many countries, special nurseries for breeding venomous snakes are being created. In captivity, snakes, as a rule, do not reproduce and do not live long, so they are systematically caught in the wild. Scientists have managed to lengthen the lifespan of snakes in captivity: cobras - up to 6 years, vipers - up to 3).

The negative role of reptiles in human life

Some representatives of reptiles are dangerous to humans. Thus, snake bites can be fatal. In our country, the most dangerous bites for humans are viper, cobra, and efa. The viper's bite is not fatal, although it is quite painful.

Note 1

Previously, about 20-30% of victims died from snake bites. Currently, their number has decreased significantly (1-2%), thanks to the use of medicinal serums.

Serums can be monovalent - against the venom of a certain type of snake and polyvalent, which neutralize the venom of several types of snakes.

In certain areas of Central Asia, land turtles are capable of causing significant damage to plantings of pistachios, melons and other crops, damaging earthen structures and digging holes. Water snakes can harm fisheries by eating young fish.

Some species of snakes and lizards, land turtles, feeding ticks and larvae, are involved in the transmission of pathogens of a number of diseases to humans and animals.

Completed by teacher
Kunashak Secondary School
Chelyabinsk region:
Nosachenko Olga Borisovna

Updating knowledge:

1.Name the subclasses you know
reptiles. What are their characteristics?
belong to these subclasses?
2.What differences in structure do they have?
representatives of different groups
reptiles?
3. Representatives of which squad
reptiles have more complex
structure? What does this mean?
4.List the general characteristics of the class
reptiles.

1. To the features of the external structure
snakes include…….
.
2. The class of reptiles includes
the following subclasses: ……
.
3.By the number of stripes on the horn
turtle shell plates can be
define ………… .
4. All reptiles have
three-chambered heart, except...
5. First aid measures in case of a bite
venomous snakes include.......

Lesson on the topic: The role of reptiles in nature and in human life. Protection of reptiles. Ancient reptiles.

The meaning of reptiles

In nature
In human life

The meaning of reptiles

In nature
In human life
1.Reptiles
included in the food chain
chains
2. regulate the number
other living organisms in
nature
1.Reptiles destroy
rodents and insect pests
person
2.pets
3.Meat and skin are used in
human economy
4. Made from snake venom
medications
5. Poisonous snake bites are dangerous
for humans
6.Reptiles sometimes
harm on melons and fish farms
farms

Origin of modern reptiles:

Modern
reptiles
descended from
ancient amphibians stegocephalians,
living in the middle
Paleozoic era.

Once upon a time, people walked on the Earth
huge lizards - dinosaurs. In different
periods of development of life on Earth lived
different dinosaurs. Most of them were
in the Cretaceous period. They all belonged to
class of reptiles
You'll probably be very surprised to learn
that the lizards and snakes you know well
and turtles too in a sense
dinosaurs!

Life in the Age of Dinosaurs.

The word "dinosaur" comes from
from the Greek combination
"terrible lizard" Actually
dinosaurs weren't real
too similar to
modern lizards.
While on Earth
dinosaurs lived, that is, from
225 to 65 million years
ago, the planet is not at all
was similar to the one
we know. Not on it yet
there were modern
Himalayas and Alps. Not in the forests
there were flowers - they appeared
only in the Mesozoic era, and
mammals were completely
tiny. Many
plants and animals
became extinct or became
Dinosaurs: 1 - brontosaurus; 2 -
extremely rare
Tyrannosaurus; 3 - triceratops; 4 -
Stegosaurus

Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs, or
ancient reptiles
dominated the
Earth 160 million
years. Among them were
herbivores and carnivores,
giants and dwarfs.
Scientists share
dinosaurs for two
groups of lizards and
primitive birds.

Predatory dinosaurs

Some predators
Jurassic period
resembled the size
modern cat, but
Most of them
were real
giants.
Giant predators
ate others
dinosaurs, and them
smaller brothers
hunted
insects

Herbivorous dinosaurs

Ancient herbivores
dinosaurs are called
sauropods. Among them
there were real giants
for example multi-ton
brachiosaurs. Herbivores
dinosaurs were huge
bodies with long necks and
small heads. V
unlike predator dinosaurs, they moved
on all four paws and not
could run fast.

Swimming reptiles

Large inhabitants
the seas were hunted
smaller ones, and those in
in turn,
ate fish and
primitive
squid.

Flying reptiles

Flying reptiles or
pterosaurs divide
scientists into two groups of short-necked and
long-tailed
Rhamphorhynchus and
long-necked
pterodactyls.
Pterosaurs were
the biggest
capable animals
fly.

Dinosaur breeding

Dinosaurs were in
similar in many ways to
modern birds and
reptiles. They
laid eggs
burying them in
loose soil. Females
some types
even raised
offspring during
several months

How dinosaurs defended themselves from enemies

Huge size
herbivorous dinosaurs
were on their own
good protection against
predators, but many
species also
united in herds.
Some dinosaurs
on the head were strong
bone plates. A
on the body and tail
sharp growths and
spikes.Dinosaurs are the largest animals that ever lived on Earth.
For example, the length of Diplodocus was 27 m, with approximately
half were the tail and neck.
The smallest dinosaurs were the size of chickens. Length of the inhabitant
southern Germany and southeastern France cosmognathus (in
translation - graceful jaw) and a little-studied herbivore
fabrosaurus from Colorado, USA, from tip to tip
tail was 70-75 cm. The first weighed about 3 kg, and the second - 6.8
kg.

Animal-like reptiles

Bestial
reptiles had
resemblance to animals. Their
legs were located under
body, lifting it
above the ground. Among them
teeth stood out
fangs, in the front part
heads appeared
fleshy lips, skin
the integument had glands.

Questions to consider:

1. Why did they become extinct?
dinosaurs?
2. Did they disappear without a trace?
Dinosaurs on Earth?

Death of the Dinosaurs

Cause of death
There are now dinosaurs
sudden
changing of the climate.
It could have been
caused by
eruption
volcano or
meteorite fall
or an asteroid.

Ancients
reptiles
Modern
reptiles
Birds
Mammals

Dinosaur reconstruction

Scientists-paleontologists
trying to restore them
view and learn about their image
life from fossils, bones, teeth, eggs and
paw prints,
preserved in the rocks.
In addition, it helps them
similarities between dinosaurs and
modern
reptiles.

Protected reptiles of the Chelyabinsk region. Common copperhead.

. There are few people in the Chelyabinsk region. High
the density of copperhead was noted only in Satkinskoe
district, where in some areas in the spring near
wintering sites there are up to 19 individuals per 1 km
route.
Biology. Sticks to the edges, clearings,
clearings, burnt areas, undergrowth, bushes,
lives on coastal rocks. Active from
mid-May to end of August. Leads the daytime
Lifestyle. Not poisonous. Mainly eats
lizards, small snakes of other species,
occasionally eats small rodents and passerine chicks. Ovoviviparous. In August -
In September, the female gives birth to 2 to 15 cubs.
Limiting factors. Direct destruction
human, since the copperhead is mistakenly considered
poisonous snake, grazing, death on
highways.
Security measures. The species is included in Appendix III to

destruction of the copperhead, its explanation
harmlessness to the population, the creation of special
protected natural areas in places
highest concentration of the species (cave
complex near the village of Sikiyaztamak, Satka district,
steppe in the vicinity of the village. Gryaznushinsky
Kizilsky district).

Protected reptiles of the Chelyabinsk region. SWAMP TURTLE.

In the Chelyabinsk region there is a northern
boundary of the species' range. Found in bodies of water
Agapovsky, Bredinsky and Kizilsky districts.
Number. There is no data on the number.
Only rare finds of single
individuals.
Biology. Lives in swamps, ponds, lakes,
rivers, canals. On land it stays close
reservoirs. Active during the day and at dusk. On
On land it feeds on insects, in water -
small and dead fish, frogs. Eats
aquatic and coastal plants. Winters on
bottom of reservoirs. Makes 1-3 clutches per season
5-10 eggs each. The female lays
eggs into the coastal soil to a depth of about
10 cm. Incubation period depending
on soil temperature lasts from 2 to 3
months. Juveniles usually remain
underground until next spring.
Limiting factors. Reclamation
work, urbanization, water pollution,
trapping by amateurs, grazing livestock in
coastal zone, destruction of masonry
dogs.
Security measures. Included in Appendix II to
Berne Convention. Full required
ban on catching marsh turtles. Possible
its introduction into suitable water bodies on
specially protected natural areas.
Creation of irrigation systems and ponds in
the southern part of the region may increase the number
places suitable for turtles to live.

Protected reptiles of the Chelyabinsk region. EASTERN STEPPE VIPER

In the Chelyabinsk region it is found throughout the steppe
zone. South of the river Uy passes the northern border of the range
kind.
Number. The greatest number reaches in
southern regions of the region. Maximum Density
steppe viper was recorded on the territory of the Arkaim museum reserve - up to 13.9 specimens. per 1 hectare, however
here there are significant fluctuations in its
number Due to the plowing of land
The number of the species is declining everywhere, during
in many areas it has disappeared.
Biology. Lives in steppes, dry, overgrown
bushy slopes. After plowing the land
found only in ravines and coastal cliffs.
Coming out of winter and mating occurs in the middle
May. Reaches sexual maturity at 3 years. Viviparous.
Fecundity is from 3 to 16, more often - 5-6 individuals.
Young appear from mid-August to mid-August
September. Feeds on rodents, chicks of small birds,
lizards, insects (mostly Orthoptera)
. In September - October it goes to winter,
climbing into rodent holes, under stones. In the southern
several mass sites were found in areas of the region
wintering in caves and grottoes. Natural enemies
steppe vipers are buzzards, owls, herons,
crows, foxes, ferrets. Near human habitation
destroyed by dogs. When there is a lack of feed
Cannibalism is possible. Lifespan
usually no more than 7-8 years.
Limiting factors. Plowing virgin lands and
fallow lands, destruction by humans, grazing
livestock, death on roads.
Security measures. Protected in the museum-reserve
"Arkaim". A ban on catching and
extermination of species, population monitoring
populations.

Protected reptiles of the Chelyabinsk region. SPINDLE FRAGILE

Lives mainly in deciduous and
mixed forests on the edges, in thickets
bushes, clearings, clearings. IN
mountainous areas more often settle in the southern
slopes In the Chelyabinsk region it was noted
mainly in the forest zone, in the steppe
zone found only in relict forests.
Occasionally found in the open steppe with
shrubs. Often lives in vegetable gardens,
in the gardens. Thanks to forestry
human activity amount
suitable biotopes may in some places
increase. Feeds on rainflies
worms, mollusks, insects and their
larvae. Ovoviviparous. Young
appear in July - August. Fertility
- 5-12 individuals 70-80 mm long.
Natural enemies, especially in the early
age - shrews, hedgehogs, many carnivores
birds, snakes.
Limiting factors. Transformation
habitats as a result of economic
human activity (mowing
forest clearings, burning of edges). Often
direct destruction by people, since
spindle is often mistakenly considered
poisonous snake. Death of animals noted
under the wheels of cars on forest roads,
especially in the spring.
Security measures. Included in Appendix III to
Berne Convention. A ban on
destruction of the spindle, limiting it
catching for educational and scientific purposes,
population monitoring

Homework:

1.Repeat general signs
structures of reptiles.
2.Create a crossword puzzle on the topic
"Reptiles".
3. Prepare for the test
work on the topic
"Reptiles"

Answer to question 1:

The class of reptiles consists of
the following subclasses:
- Turtle Subclass
- Subclass Scaly-Troops:
lizards, snakes, chameleons.

-Subclass Crocodiles

Answer to the 2nd question:

Crocodiles
Turtles
Snakes
Lizards
-large and
strong
animal
- swim well
-long
squeezed with
sides tail
located
on higher ground
skull nostrils and
eyes
-body is hidden
under the shell
-no shedding
-slowly
move around
on the land
-in case of danger
pull in
head and legs
under the shell
-Dont Have
limbs
-powerful
muscles
-numerous
ribs
-eyes are covered
transparent
horny
over the centuries
sliding
movable
jaws
-Flexible
movable
body
-Wide
arranged
legs
- Unfused mobile
eyelids
Underdeveloped
jaws

Answer to the 3rd question:

Representatives of the order Crocodiles in
difference from other reptiles
have a three-chambered heart and a developed
brain.

Answer to the 4th question:

General signs of reptiles:
1.True terrestrial vertebrates
animals.
2.Breathe atmospheric air.
3. They reproduce outside of water - on land.
4. Internal fertilization.

Complete the sentences on the card:

1. The features of the external structure of the snake include
absence of limbs and transparent horny eyelids.
2. The class of reptiles includes the following
subclasses: - Turtle Subclass
- Subclass Scaly-Orders: lizards, snakes, chameleons.
- Subclass of the First Lizard (Gatteria)
-Subclass Crocodiles.
3. By the number of stripes on the horny plates of the shell
turtles are allowed
determine the age of the turtle.
4. All reptiles have a three-chambered heart,
except for crocodiles.
5. First aid measures in case of a poisonous snake bite
include splint application, quiet position
damaged organ, plenty of warm drinks and administration
antisnake serum.

Information sources:

1. Electronic lessons and tests. Biology at school.
CJSC "Prosveshchenie-Media", 2005.
2. Great children's encyclopedia
Dorling Kindersley,2004
3.Vector Clipart Animals Media 2000
Copyright.
4.Walking with dinosaurs BBC ZAO Novy
disk"
5. Children's encyclopedia KM 2006.
6. http://www.redbook.ru/bookuncat-4.html
7. UEI BENP Biology 6-9.KM, 2003.
8.G.A.Ufimtseva, V.V.Latyushin Animal biology
Chelyabinsk region (student manual)

The main orders of reptiles. All modern reptiles, with the exception of the ancient tuateria that has survived to this day, belong to the orders of squamates, turtles and crocodiles. Hatteria looks like a lizard (up to 76 cm long) (Fig. 255). It is nocturnal, lives in burrows up to 1 m deep, and feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates. Hatteria is preserved on several islands of New Zealand, where a reserve has been created to protect it.

Hatteria The squamate order includes most species of reptiles, primarily lizards (about 3,500 species) and snakes (2,500 species) (Fig. 241, 256). A common feature of the order is the presence of horny scales and scutes on the body, under which bone plates may be located. The eggs of most squamates have a parchment-like shell. Animals of this order are distributed on all continents. Rice. 256. Representatives of the squamate order

Lizards, in addition to the well-known sand lizards and viviparous lizards, include monitor lizards, agamas, geckos, legless yellow-bellied lizards and spindles. Monitor lizards, agamas, and geckos are inhabitants of southern latitudes. The gray monitor lizard lives in the deserts of Central Asia. Its body weight reaches 3.5 kg. The monitor lizard can run quickly, swim, and climb bushes. It feeds on arthropods, rodents, eggs of turtles and birds. The gray monitor lizard is subject to protection as a rare animal (Fig. 256). The steppe agama is widespread in Central Asia, in the lower reaches of the Volga and the Urals, and in the Ciscaucasia. Most often, it settles in clayey deserts, in areas with sparse shrubs and leads an arboreal and terrestrial lifestyle (Fig. 256). Some species of geckos live in the Crimea, Transcaucasia, Central Asia and Kazakhstan. The fingers of these animals have expanded plates with brushes of microscopic hairs. Thanks to them, geckos can climb rocks, tree trunks, and house walls (Fig. 256).

Unlike lizards, snakes have a long, legless body, adapted to moving on their belly. Their eyelids have grown together and turned into a thin, transparent horny film, which is shed during molting. The skeleton, due to the disappearance of the limbs, consists of the skull and spine. The right and left halves of the jaws are connected at the front by tensile ligaments. The ribs, attached to numerous vertebrae, end freely. In this regard, they can swallow prey (usually large ones) whole.

Snakes are found in all parts of the world, but are especially numerous in hot countries. The most common snakes in our country are common and water snakes, common and steppe vipers. Snakes swallow prey alive, and vipers first kill it with poison, which is produced in their poisonous glands and flows through the canals of the teeth into the wounds of the victim (Fig. 257).

Rice. 257. Viper's head. Above is a diagram of the mobility of the jaw bones. The order of crocodiles includes the most highly developed modern reptiles (Fig. 258). Their teeth are located in the recesses of the jaws, the heart is four-chambered, and the cerebellum is highly developed in the brain. Outwardly, they look like huge lizards, up to 8 m long. Their body is covered with durable horny scutes, under which there are bone plates. Rice. 258. Nile crocodile and Mississippi alligator

Crocodiles live in slow-flowing rivers, lakes and deep swamps of hot countries. The hind legs of crocodiles have webbed swimmers. The eyes and nostrils are located at the elevation of the muzzle. The ear openings can be closed by special folds of skin. Crocodiles rarely come to land: here they bask in the sun and lay eggs. Crocodiles feed on a variety of vertebrates, crayfish and mollusks. There are known cases of crocodiles attacking people.

There are about 20 species of crocodiles preserved in nature.

The order of turtles is characterized by the presence of a bony shell in which the body of the animal is enclosed. Only the head, limbs and tail remain free (Fig. 260). Most turtles have shells covered on the outside with horny plates. Central Asian and marsh turtles live in our country. The Central Asian tortoise is a herbivore (Fig. 259). The bog turtle feeds mainly on a variety of invertebrates, small fish, tadpoles and frogs. The marsh turtle has swimming membranes on its feet (Fig. 259).

Large sea turtles, up to 2 m long, live in the seas (see Fig. 239). Their legs have transformed into long, flat flippers.

About 200 species of turtles have survived to this day.

The importance of reptiles and their protection. Most reptiles, especially in the steppes and deserts, have a noticeable effect on the number of mollusks, small rodents and other animals on which they feed. In turn, many reptiles serve as food for commercial animals, in particular foxes and ferrets. In a number of countries, the skin of crocodiles, large snakes and lizards has long been used to make shoes, briefcases, and belts. In order to preserve the number of crocodiles, farms are being created where they are bred, thereby strengthening their protection in nature.

In some countries, turtle meat and eggs are used as food; the horny plates of the shells are used to make frames for glasses, combs and jewelry. Sea turtles are included in the Red Book, and their fishing is controlled.

Snake venom is widely used in medicine, for example, in the manufacture of medicinal ointments. Snake nurseries have been created to obtain venom. The largest of them operate in Tashkent and Bishkek. Cobras, vipers, sand ephs and other poisonous snakes are kept here (Fig. 260).

Poisonous snakes

Due to the extermination of reptiles and the collection of turtle eggs, the numbers of many species have decreased so much that they are in danger of extinction. These animals can only be saved by strengthening their protection. Currently, the extermination of gray monitor lizards, Far Eastern tortoises, Central Asian cobras and many other reptiles is prohibited

Diversity of modern reptiles

Modern reptiles, having settled in all climatic regions of the globe, with the exception of the polar regions, have given a very wide variety of life forms. Among them there are terrestrial, underground, aquatic, and arboreal. The class Reptiles includes four series, uniting about 8,000 modern species.

Classification of reptiles

Turtles - a series of reptiles with a bony shell that contains the body. There are about 250 species of turtles living on land, in fresh water and seas. Turtles have no teeth. their function is performed by horny sheaths, they have sharp edges and cover the jaws. The vast majority of turtles are herbivores, but there are also predators that feed on jellyfish, fish, amphibians, and the like. The musculature of the extremities reaches great development, the trunk musculature has almost disappeared.

Breathing occurs by swallowing air. The organs of vision are well developed, but the hearing is poorly developed. Turtles grow throughout their lives. The most common representatives of the series are turtle European marsh turtle elephant turtle green leatherback turtle and etc.

Feather lizards, or beaked lizards- a series of reptiles in which the body is covered with small granular scales and a notochord is preserved between the vertebrae. Only one species has survived to this day - the hatteria, which is found on the islands of New Zealand. They have a well-developed parietal eye, containing the cornea, lens and retina. This organ opens on the surface of the head between the parietal bones and detects light and temperature. There is no eardrum or tympanic cavity. Due to its archaic characteristics, the hatteria is called a “living fossil animal.”

Scaly - a number of reptiles that have horny scales and scutes on the surface of their bodies. This is the most numerous and prosperous group of reptiles that live almost everywhere on land, some species live in fresh water bodies (anacondas, water snakes) and seas (sea snakes). There are about 4000 species. This is also the only group of reptiles in which it is possible

find both viviparous and ovoviviparous and oviparous species. The Scaly family includes chameleons, lizards and snakes.

Chameleons - this is a group of squamates in which the body is strongly compressed laterally, the neck is short, fingers V form claws and a prehensile tail. Body length is from 4 to 60 cm. Many species have horny and leathery growths on the head. The tongue is long and can be thrown out far to capture prey. The eyes are large, with thick fused eyelids and a small opening for the pupil. Eye movements are independent of each other. Body color can change quickly. They live mainly in Africa and Madagascar, where they have adapted to an arboreal lifestyle. The largest in size is Madagascar chameleon(more than 50 cm in length), common chameleon has a body length of 25-30 cm.

Lizards- This is a group of squamates, most of which have well-developed five-fingered limbs and movable eyelids. These reptiles inhabit the entire globe; they are not found only in large water basins. The largest lizards have a body length of 3 m ( Indonesian monitor lizard, Indian striped monitor lizard), the smallest - a few centimeters ( Crimean gecko, skink gecko). There are species of lizards that have no legs at all ( spindle breaker, yellow-bellied To). Most lizards have the ability to break off their tail when irritated. They live in Ukraine sand lizards, green, viviparous, Crimean, rocky And multi-colored. Among lizards there are also poisonous species that belong to the family having chipped They have a real poisonous apparatus formed from the salivary glands. The family includes two species, which are common in Mexico and on the island. Kalimantan. Unique among modern lizards is the ability to spend a significant part of the time in the sea. marine iguana, or Galapagos, which is found on all the islands of the Galapagos archipelago, mainly on rocky shores, in salt marshes and mangroves. Representatives of the aga family include: lizard Frilled dragon flying, round-eared lizard and etc.

Snakes - This is a group of squamates with an elongated body and no limbs. Externally, snakes are very similar to lizards, but they do not have a middle ear, chest and movable eyelids.

The bones of the left and right parts of the jaws are movably connected, allowing them to swallow prey whole. Snakes have mastered various habitats. Most species live on the ground, mainly in warm, humid areas. Snakes are also found in deserts, steppes and mountains. Some species live near rivers and lakes, swim and dive well. And sea snakes have completely switched to life in water, even reproducing without going ashore, through viviparity. The world's largest snake is anaconda, which inhabits South America. The described specimen had a length of 11 m 43 cm. The second place in size is occupied by reticulated python with a body length of up to 10 m. Among poisonous snakes, the most king cobra(up to 5.5 m), which lives in the forests of Southeast Asia. American rattlesnakes, inhabitants of the Asian deserts - viper and efa. There are two types of poisonous snakes living in Ukraine - common viper And steppe viper, and 8 types of non-venomous snakes: common snake, water snake, copperhead snake, yellow-bellied snake, leopard snake, forest snake, four-striped snake And patterned runner.

Crocodiles - a series of reptiles in which the body is elongated and covered with horny scutes. This is the most highly organized group of modern reptiles, which have many adaptations to a semi-aquatic lifestyle: swimming membranes between the toes of the hind legs, a long tail, compressed from the sides, eyes and nostrils protruding above the surface of the head, valves in the nostrils and auditory openings, and the like. There are about 20 species of these animals. Unlike other reptiles, crocodiles have a four-chambered heart, teeth with roots, etc.

Crocodiles are common in tropical and subtropical regions.

Only one species belongs to the gharial family - Gangetic gharial. This crocodile has very long jaws equipped with hundreds of small sharp teeth. He spends most of his life in the water, swims quickly and catches fish deftly.

The Alligator family includes 7 species, distributed mainly in freshwater bodies of America. These crocodiles' teeth are almost invisible from their mouths. This includes , Chinese alligator And caymans. The True crocodiles family (11 species) unites representatives living in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, America and Australia. Most crocodiles belong to this family - Nile crocodile(up to 8 m long) and crocodile crocodile(up to 6 m long).

The importance of reptiles in nature and human life

The importance of reptiles in nature lies in the fact that they regulate the number of invertebrates and small vertebrates and serve as food for other animals.

Humans eat certain types of reptiles or their eggs (for example, meat and eggs of turtles, snakes, iguanas, monitor lizards). Lizards and snakes actively destroy insects and small rodents - pests of agricultural crops. In tropical countries, poisonous snakes cause great harm; people and livestock die from their bites. Poisonous snakes in the world are cobra, king rattlesnake, taipan, and mamba. In some countries, snakes are raised in special serpentarium for the sake of poison, which is used in medicine (for example, to treat asthma, epilepsy, etc.). The most famous institution of this type is the Butantan Institute, located in the city of Sao Paulo (Brazil). The Institute maintains the world's largest collection of snakes in the world, consisting of more than 54 thousand specimens, and is the main manufacturer of vaccines against many infectious diseases, poly- and monovalent antidotes against snake bites, and other venomous animals. The skin of crocodiles and some snakes, as well as the horny shell of turtles, is used to make various products. The capture of many species of reptiles has led to a significant reduction in their numbers, as a result of which it was necessary to introduce environmental measures aimed at restoring their numbers. In some countries (USA, Cuba), farms have been created for artificial breeding of crocodiles. Nature reserves and sanctuaries are being created where, along with other organisms, rare and endangered species of reptiles are protected. Some species have become scarce in Ukraine. 8 species of reptiles are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine: Crimean gecko, yellow-bellied snake, yellow-bellied snake, leopard snake, forest snake, four-striped snake, copperhead, eastern steppe viper.

From feathers we know birds.

Latin Prispivia