Reptile vs. Amphibian — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
Reptiles are vertebrates with scaly skin, mainly terrestrial, and lay shelled eggs, whereas amphibians have permeable skin, are both aquatic and terrestrial, and lay eggs in water.
Difference Between Reptile and Amphibian
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
eptiles, such as snakes and lizards, are characterized by dry, scaly skin that prevents water loss, enabling them to thrive in dry environments. In contrast, amphibians like frogs and salamanders have moist, permeable skin that requires them to live in or near water sources to maintain hydration.
Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. On the other hand, amphibians are also ectothermic but use their environment more actively to manage their body temperatures due to their skin's sensitivity.
The reproductive methods of reptiles include laying shelled eggs, typically on land, which protects the embryo from drying out. Whereas, amphibians lay their eggs in water, which are jelly-like and lack a protective hard shell, making them vulnerable to dehydration on land.
Reptiles generally have a more advanced lung system and stronger skeletal structures, allowing them greater mobility and adaptability on land. Meanwhile, many amphibians possess both gills and lungs during different stages of their life cycle, reflecting their dual life in water and on land.
The habitat preferences of reptiles allow them to occupy a variety of environments, from deserts to forests. Amphibians, however, are mostly found in wet environments like swamps, ponds, and streams due to their skin's moisture needs.
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Comparison Chart
Skin Type
Dry, scaly
Moist, permeable
Reproduction
Lay shelled eggs mostly on land
Lay unshelled, jelly-like eggs in water
Temperature Control
Ectothermic, dependent on the environment
Ectothermic, highly dependent on moisture
Habitat
Diverse, including arid and moist regions
Predominantly wet environments
Respiratory System
Primarily lungs
Gills in larvae, lungs in youngs
Compare with Definitions
Reptile
Lay shelled eggs on land.
Many reptiles, like crocodiles, carefully guard their eggs on land.
Amphibian
Skin absorbs water and requires moist environments.
Amphibians often hide under rocks or leaves to prevent skin drying.
Reptile
Live in diverse habitats.
Reptiles can be found in deserts, forests, and even urban areas.
Amphibian
Member of the class Amphibia.
Salamanders are amphibians that prefer moist forest environments.
Reptile
Member of the class Reptilia.
Turtles, despite their shells, are classified as reptiles.
Amphibian
Lay eggs in water.
Toads return to aquatic environments to lay eggs.
Reptile
Can regulate body temperature through behavior.
Lizards bask in the sun to increase their body temperature.
Amphibian
Undergo metamorphosis from larval to young stage.
Tadpoles metamorphose into frogs, developing legs and lungs.
Reptile
Reptiles, as most commonly defined, are the animals in the class Reptilia , a paraphyletic grouping comprising all amniotes except synapsids (mammals and their extinct relatives) and Aves (birds). The class comprises turtles, crocodilians, snakes, amphisbaenians, lizards, tuatara, and their extinct relatives.
Amphibian
Amphibians are ectothermic, tetrapod vertebrates of the class Amphibia. All living amphibians belong to the group Lissamphibia.
Reptile
A person regarded as contemptible or obsequious.
Amphibian
An animal capable of living both on land and in water.
Reptile
A reptile or amphibian.
Amphibian
An aircraft that can take off and land on either land or water.
Reptile
(figuratively) A mean or grovelling person.
Amphibian
A tracked or wheeled vehicle that can operate both on land and in water.
Reptile
Creeping; moving on the belly, or by means of small and short legs.
Amphibian
Of or relating to the class Amphibia.
Reptile
Grovelling; low; vulgar.
A reptile race or crew
Reptile vices
Amphibian
Capable of operating on both land and water amphibious.
Reptile
Creeping; moving on the belly, or by means of small and short legs.
Amphibian
(obsolete) Having two natures.
Reptile
Hence: Groveling; low; vulgar; as, a reptile race or crew; reptile vices.
There is also a false, reptile prudence, the result not of caution, but of fear.
And dislodge their reptile soulsFrom the bodies and forms of men.
Amphibian
An animal of the Amphibia; any four-legged vertebrate that does not have amniotic eggs, living both on land and in water.
Reptile
An animal that crawls, or moves on its belly, as snakes,, or by means of small, short legs, as lizards, and the like.
An inadvertent step may crush the snailThat crawls at evening in the public path;But he that has humanity, forewarned,Will tread aside, and let the reptile live.
Amphibian
A vehicle which can operate on land and water. See Wikipedia article on "Amphibious aircraft"
Reptile
One of the Reptilia, or one of the Amphibia.
Amphibian
Of or pertaining to the Amphibia; as, amphibian reptiles.
Reptile
A groveling or very mean person.
Amphibian
One of the Amphibia.
Amphibian
A flat-bottomed motor vehicle that can travel on land or water
Amphibian
An airplane designed to take off and land on water
Amphibian
Relating to or characteristic of animals of the class Amphibia
Common Curiosities
How do reptiles regulate their body temperature?
Reptiles regulate temperature through behavioral means, like sunning themselves.
Can reptiles live in aquatic environments?
Some reptiles, like certain turtles and snakes, are adapted to aquatic life.
What defines a reptile?
Reptiles are defined by their scaly skin and ectothermic metabolism.
What is a distinctive feature of amphibian reproduction?
Amphibians lay jelly-like eggs in water, which is essential for their development.
What are typical habitats for amphibians?
Amphibians typically thrive in moist environments like ponds and wetlands.
How do reptiles' eggs differ from those of amphibians?
Reptile eggs have hard shells and are mostly laid on land, protecting them from desiccation.
Why do amphibians have permeable skin?
Amphibian skin is permeable to allow for gas exchange and moisture absorption.
What type of respiratory systems do reptiles have?
Reptiles primarily use lungs throughout their life cycle.
Can reptiles breathe underwater?
Reptiles cannot breathe underwater; those that live in water surface for air.
Do amphibians always require water for survival?
While not always in water, amphibians need moist conditions to survive.
Are all reptiles terrestrial?
Most reptiles are terrestrial, but some, like sea turtles, are adapted to marine life.
What role does the environment play in amphibians' body temperature control?
Environmental moisture and temperature are crucial for amphibians' thermal regulation.
What adaptations do amphibians have for life in water?
Amphibians have adaptations like webbed feet and lateral line systems in their aquatic stages.
How do amphibians cope with dry conditions?
Amphibians avoid dry conditions as their skin needs constant moisture.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
