What makes a reptile a reptile?

This task is about using evidence to decide whether an animal is a reptile or not.
Scientists divide living things into different groups.
The list below shows some of the features they use to decide if an animal belongs to the group called reptiles.

Features of reptiles

  • They have a backbone.
  • They are cold-blooded.
  • They breathe with lungs.
  • They have dry skin covered with scales. Some also have a hard shell.
  • They have ear holes but no ears.
  • They have 4 legs or no legs.
  • They lay eggs which have a strong, soft shell. A few reptiles have live babies.
a)  Use the information from the list to decide whether each of the following animals is a reptile.  Give reasons for your decisions.

Question

Snake
i)  Is this a reptile?
 
 

    • Yes

    • No

    • Can't tell

Reason your answer.

Question

Fish
ii)  Is this a reptile?

    • Yes

    • No

    • Can't tell

Reason for your answer.

Question

Frog
iii)  Is this a reptile?

    • Yes

    • No

    • Can;t tell

Reason for your answer.

Question

Lizard
iv)  Is this a reptile?

    • Yes

    • No

    • Can't tell

Reason for your answer.

Question

Bird
v)  Is this a reptile?

    • Yes

    • No

    • Can't tell

Reason for your answer.

Question

Turtle
vi)  Is this a reptile?

    • Yes

    • No

    • Can't tell

Reason for your answer.

Question

Weta
vii)  Is this a reptile?

    • Yes

    • No

    • Can't tell

Reason for your answer.

Question 1Change answer

b)  Why do you think scientists all over the world have agreed on the way they group living things.
     Give as many reasons as you can.