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Organs and Structures Reptiles are very well known for their scaly skins, their tails, and also their large mouths. Scales are important adaptions that evolved for reptiles to help them deal with challenges in their environments. Most reptiles have scales to help prevent dehydration and also to protect them from other species trying to scratch or harm them. Reptile scales also help with support and sturdiness. According to ehow. com, “reptiles evolved over than 300 years ago from early amphibians.
According to the same website, the scaly skin likely developed slowly with the transition from water to land. All reptiles have tails. There are many different uses for tails of different types of reptiles. For example, lizards use their tails in defense. When they are in danger, their tales brake off and it provides a distraction for the lizard to get away quickly. The Gila reptiles use their big tails to store energy for periods of time when food is rare, chameleons use their tails as a fifth foot to hold on to limbs hen climbing, and crocodiles use their tails to help them swim in water.
Alligators and crocodiles have developed mouths that allow them to catch many different types of prey, including fish and deer. Because the alligators and crocodiles cannot seal their mouths all the way when they close it, they have evolved a valve in their throats that seals it shut and allows them to catch prey in the water without swallowing too much water in the process. They also have long, narrow mouths with sharp teeth to assist in catching prey.
Most lizards have mouths with many rows of teeth to help them capture small insects and mammals. Unlike all other reptiles, turtles do not have teeth at all. They have large, hard beaks which vary in shape and size. They have strong jaws to help them shred small animals or pull apart fruit and plants. Snakes have big mouths that help them capture and swallow their prey. They have evolved very sharp teeth and large fangs to prevent prey from escaping. Snakes can consume prey that is much larger than their mouths for that reason.
They also have strong muscles in their throats to help them push the food down to their stomachs. Conclusion Reptiles are very interesting creatures and have come a very long way in evolution. They are very strong creatures and have evolved to take very good care of themselves.