Defining Characteristics:
-Vertebrates
-Cold blooded (ectotherm)-depend on warmth from sunlight to become warm and active
-Skin covered in scales or scutes
-Lungs for breathing
-Lay eggs-most young hatch from eggs (about 20 percent of snakes and lizards give live birth)
Live on land

Fun Facts:
-Reptiles can be found in all types of habitats except polar ice and tundra.
-Crocodilia (crocodiles, gavials, caimans, and alligators): 23 species
-Sphenodontia (tuataras from New Zealand): 2 species
-Squamata (lizards, snakes, and worm lizards): over 9,000 species
-Testudines (turtles, terrapins and tortoises): over 300 species