The science that studies snakes and reptiles. The most dangerous and rare profession, or who is a herpetologist. Herpetology and batrachology

While photographing a snail in an aquarium (photo later), I wondered what the name of the science that studies snails is.

And this is what turned out.

malacology - the science that studies mollusks

A branch of zoology devoted to the study of soft-bodied mollusks (Mollusca). The name comes from Greek word malakion - mollusk. Scientists who study mollusks are called malacologists. Malacology examines issues of systematics and phylogeny, zoogeography, biology and ecology of mollusks, etc.

One of the sections of malacology is conchology(conchiology) - dedicated to the study of mollusk shells. Conchology - a section of malacology that studies mollusk shells. In a broad sense, it is a scientific, semi-scientific, or amateur study of the shells of soft-bodied animals such as Mollusks.

Hippology- the science of horses, studies anatomy, physiology, reproduction biology, breed formation. Until the 30s. In the 20th century, hippology was taught in cavalry and artillery schools and other special educational institutions. In Russian it will sound like horse breeding, but probably still more in-depth.

I immediately remembered entomology– childhood hobby, studying insects and its subsections arachnology, studying spiders and acarology- a science that studies ticks, and a number of others that study small taxa of arachnids (scorpions, harvestmen, pseudoscorpions, phalanges and others).

Well, since there was such a booze...

Apiology- the science that studies bees (honeybees)

Herpetology- a branch of zoology that studies amphibians and reptiles. Its subsection serpentology- studying snakes. Sometimes the science of amphibians is called batrachology(from Greek - frog).

Carcinology– studies crustaceans. Sections of carcinology also deal with large or practically significant groups. So, copepod studies copepodology, cladoceran - cladocerology, decapod - decapodology

Ketology– studies cetaceans (dolphins, killer whales and naturally whales)

Myrmecology- a subsection of entomology that studies ants.

Nematology(Nematology, nematodology) - a branch of zoology that studies roundworms type Nematoda, which is one of the largest in the animal kingdom in terms of the number of species (80,000 species have been described, up to 500,000 are estimated)

Oology- a department of zoology devoted to the study of animal eggs, mainly birds. Oology is also sometimes understood as collecting bird eggs.

Ornithology– the term is well known; this science studies birds.

Planktology– it’s pretty clear here – studies plankton

Theriology, also known as mammology, studies mammals; its subsections are ketology and primatology

Chiropterology– studies bats, such as bats.

Ethology– studies animal behavior, closely related to animal psychology.

The profession of “herpetologist” is included in the list of the most dangerous, along with forest fellers, firefighters, miners, sappers and others. And yet there are enthusiasts who are ready to devote themselves to this difficult task. What does a person who has chosen this profession do, what is herpetology and where is this science studied - we tried to answer these questions in our material.

The science of herpetology

The name of the science - herpetology - comes from two ancient Greek words: “herpeton” - snake and “logos” - word (teaching). Thus, in the field scientific research This branch of zoology includes reptiles and amphibians. Initially, herpetology studied only the life, habits and body features of reptiles, but later it was joined by the science of amphibians, which is called batrachology (“batrachos” is a frog in Greek). The author of the term was a naturalist from Germany, Jacob Klein. He first used it in 1755.

Did you know? Most fast snake on Earth is considered a black mamba. It reaches a speed of 16-19 km/h. Her homeland is East Africa. And the fastest lizard is the iguana, moving at a speed of 34.9 km/h.

Today, the two classes that herpetology studies are less studied than, for example, mammals, birds, and fish. Meanwhile, they populate almost the entire Earth, although most of them live in tropical zones. Amphibians are the smallest class among vertebrates; it has about 3.5 thousand species. Their name suggests that they lead a dual lifestyle. Their second name is amphibians, which is literally translated from Greek as “double-living.” This “dual vitality” is manifested in the fact that they can live both on land and in water. And amphibians appeared over 350 million years ago. Most large group amphibians include frogs, tree frogs ( tree frogs), toads. The second largest group includes salamanders and newts. There are two and a half times more reptiles than amphibians - about 9.4 thousand species. This is a class of vertebrates that lead a predominantly terrestrial lifestyle. These include snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and turtles. Another name for them is reptiles. The study of snakes is called serpentology.
Reptiles combine the features of simple amphibians and higher vertebrates. They have one significant similarity with amphibians - they are cold-blooded. However, there are a number of significant differences, for example, body covering: amphibians have moist skin, reptiles have scales, scutes, and plates. The former lay eggs without a hard shell, the latter - in a hard shell.

Who is a herpetologist

Today there are two main areas of activity for a herpetologist:

• study of animals;

That is, a herpetologist can be either a scientist or a veterinarian.

Herpetologist who studies reptiles

A specialist who observes behavior biological features reptiles and amphibians, studies their anatomy, explores the role of these animals in nature and human life - this is a herpetologist. Aristotle (384-322 BC) is considered the first herpetologist. It was he who united reptiles and amphibians into one group, calling them reptiles, and compiled their descriptions. First scientific work in herpetology is considered to be the dissertation of the Austrian scientist for the degree of Doctor of Science Joseph-Nikolaus Laurenti, which he defended in 1768.
During times Soviet Union The All-Union Herpetological Committee was created at the Academy of Sciences in 1962. Today at Russian Academy Sciences, in St. Petersburg, the Herpetological Society named after A. M. Nikolsky has been operating since 1991, whose members devote their scientific activity and work on such issues of science about reptiles and amphibians, such as problems of their species diversity, zoogeography, ecology, conservation, and the development of environmental strategies. The society is named after one of the founders of Russian herpetology.

One of the reasons why reptiles and amphibians are not as well studied as other animals today is that some of them pose a threat to human health and life. So, 15% of all snakes are poisonous. Tooth lizards also pose a great danger to humans. There are known cases of scientists dying from the teeth of crocodiles. It is precisely because herpetologists deal with dangerous animals that their profession is considered dangerous.

Important! When bitten by a snake, it is not recommended to drink alcohol, make cuts on the bite, cauterize the wound, or apply a tourniquet above the bitten area. It is necessary to suck out the venom with your mouth, drink plenty of fluids, immobilize the bitten limb, administer an antihistamine and anti-snake serum based on the venom of the snake that inflicted the bite.

That's all today more people They prefer to buy exotic animals as pets, such as salamanders, newts, frogs, tree frogs, and caimans. There is evidence that about 300 reptiles are kept at home in Moscow various types. Therefore, the profession of herpetologist-veterinarian is becoming increasingly in demand. Firstly, for such households it will be necessary to create special conditions, which only a competent specialist can talk about.
It is also necessary to have information about the intricacies of keeping and feeding reptiles and amphibians, as well as about safety rules when living with them in the same room. Secondly, it is rarely possible to keep an animal without it developing health problems. But an ordinary veterinarian is not always able to prescribe competent treatment. A herpetologist can help with this. After all, he is the one who understands the vital functions of these animals, knows the methods of therapy that are applied to them, has surgical skills and knows how to conduct high-quality diagnostics.

Nevertheless, such a specialist is still a rarity in our veterinary clinics. And even abroad they began to pay attention to this area of ​​veterinary medicine only about half a century ago, although the tradition of keeping reptiles in the house has its roots back in Ancient Egypt. It was its residents who lived in a house next to snakes, attributing to them the functions of protecting the hearth and using them to catch small rodents. The Indian nobility also loved to keep reptiles in their homes.

Important! Those who are planning to get an exotic animal need to know that keeping amphibians and reptiles as petsnot recommended in families with children under four years of age.

Some private veterinary clinics Still, they try to involve specialists in the field of herpetology in consulting, highlighting “reptile treatment” as a separate service. For example, at the Moscow clinic “White Fang” a herpetologist working at the zoo is treating patients. There is also a herpetologist at the St. Petersburg Bio-Vet clinic. They also house the equipment necessary for examining animals and taking tests (ultrasound, bone tissue tests, ECG, etc.).
There are also practicing herpetologists in the clinics “Center” (Moscow), “Bambi” (Moscow), “Belladonna” (Moscow), “Sfera-9 LLC” (St. Petersburg), “Veterinary Hospital” (Saratov), ​​“Emergency” (Nizhny Novgorod). There is one specialist in this field in Novosibirsk. On the website of the international scientific center treatment and rehabilitation of animals "Zoovet" provides online consultation with a herpetologist. Most often, herpetologists have to deal with the following reptile diseases:

• overheating and thermal strokes;
• colds;
• infectious inflammation of the oral mucosa;
• deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
• thermal and chemical burns;
• rickets;
• conjunctivitis;
• helminthiasis;
• indigestion;
• anorexia.

Consultation with a herpetologist-veterinarian is necessary if the exotic a pet refuses to eat or eats too little food, long absence bowel movements, lethargy, lack of activity. Often diseases in reptiles are asymptomatic, which makes diagnosis difficult. Owners of exotic pets need to carefully monitor their behavior and changes in appearance.

Important! People who are planning to get an exotic pet should, even before purchasing it, look for relevant information and find a person who knows a lot about reptiles and amphibians and can advise and examine the pet at any time if a disease develops.

Basic knowledge and skills for an unusual profession

A snake and amphibian specialist should have the following knowledge:

• how to take venom from a poisonous snake;
• how the body of the main species of reptiles and amphibians is structured;
• what personal safety rules must be followed when handling snakes and their venoms;
• how to prevent a snake bite;
• basic first aid for snake bites;
• sanitary and technological requirements for herpetological laboratories;
• main diseases of herpetofauna representatives.

A herpetologist must have the following skills:

• take poison from a snake;
• bring the poison into a dry state;
• measure the toxicity of the poison;
• weigh the poison;
• accept a reptile or amphibian, weigh it and place it in a cage;
• determine the sex of the animal;
• determine the age of the animal;
• perform diagnostics;
• to diagnose;
• prescribe treatment;
• make advice on proper nutrition and animal care, on preventive measures against diseases.

If the herpetologist works veterinarian, he needs to know and be able to collect anamnesis. In particular, you will need to ask questions about the origin of the animal, its gender and age, arrangement, size and conditions (day and night temperatures, humidity, lighting, frequency of hygiene) in the terrarium, diet and mode of feeding, defecation mode, etc. Therapy of cold-blooded animals It has significant differences from other animals that are more common as pets. Therefore, using the same tactics is unsafe for the health of reptiles.

Where is the art taught?

Reptile science is taught in a separate Herpetology course, which is typically taught in most higher education biology departments. educational institutions. The specialty "herpetologist", in particular, can be obtained at the Ural state university named after Gorky, at the Institute of Biology, Ecology, Soil Science, Agriculture and Forestry of Tomsk State University.
During their studies at the university, students study issues such as evolution, organization, lifestyle, anatomical features, geography of distribution of amphibians and reptiles, structure of poisonous apparatuses and general information about toxicology, the main milestones in the development of herpetology in the world, problems of preserving species diversity. How to treat animals is not taught in universities. Those who want to acquire the specialization of a herpetologist-veterinarian undergo internships in the veterinary departments of zoos and in foreign zoological clinics that specialize in the treatment of exotic animals.

Did you know? IN We all know that the turtle is one of the slowest animals on Earth. On land, it reaches a speed of no more than 15 km/h. But in water, a leatherback turtle can reach a speed of 35 km/h.

Thus, we found out that herpetology is a science that studies the structure, characteristics of the organism, and behavior of representatives of the class of amphibians and reptiles. A herpetologist can be defined as a scientist who observes animals in wildlife either in captivity, or the veterinarian who treats them. Medical care for animals belonging to the classes of reptiles and amphibians must be provided by a specialist, completed course training in herpetology. Owners of exotic animals should take care to establish contacts with a veterinarian-herpetologist working in a clinic or on call.

Reptiles- typical terrestrial animals and their main method of movement is crawling, reptiles on the ground. Key Features The structures and biology of reptiles helped their ancestors leave the water and spread widely across the land. These features primarily include internal fertilization And egg laying, rich in nutrients and covered with a dense protective shell, which facilitates their development on land.

The body of reptiles has protective formations in the form scales, covering them with a continuous cover. The skin is always dry, evaporation through it is impossible, so they can live in dry places. Reptiles breathe exclusively with the help of their lungs, which, compared to the lungs of amphibians, have a more complex structure. Intensive lung breathing became possible thanks to the appearance of a new skeletal section in reptiles - chest. The chest is formed by a number of ribs connected on the dorsal side to the spine, and on the abdominal side to the sternum. The ribs, thanks to special muscles, are mobile and contribute to the expansion of the chest and lungs during inhalation and their collapse at the moment of exhalation.

With a change in structure respiratory system changes in blood circulation are closely related. Most reptiles have a three-chambered heart and two circuits of blood circulation (as do amphibians). However, the structure of the reptile heart is more complex. In its ventricle there is a septum, which at the moment of contraction of the heart almost completely divides it into the right (venous) and left (arterial) halves.

This structure of the heart and the location of the main vessels, different from that of amphibians, more strongly delineates the venous and arterial flows, therefore, the body of reptiles is supplied with blood that is more saturated with oxygen. The main vessels of the systemic and pulmonary circulation are typical of all terrestrial vertebrates. The main difference between the pulmonary circulation of amphibians and reptiles is that in reptiles the cutaneous arteries and veins have disappeared and the pulmonary circulation includes only pulmonary vessels.

About 8,000 are known today existing species reptiles that live on all continents except Antarctica. Modern reptiles are divided into orders: protolizards, scaly, crocodiles And turtles.

Reproduction of reptiles

Fertilization in terrestrial reptiles internal: the male injects sperm into the female’s cloaca; they penetrate the egg cells, where fertilization occurs. The female's body develops eggs, which she lays on land (buries in a hole). The outside of the egg is covered with a dense shell. The egg contains a reserve nutrients, due to which the development of the embryo occurs. The eggs do not produce larvae, as in fish and amphibians, but individuals capable of independent life.

First Lizard Squad

TO proto-lizards refers to "living fossil" - tuateria- the only species that has survived to this day only on small islands near New Zealand. This is a sedentary animal, leading mainly night image life and appearance lizard-like. Hatteria in its structure has features that are similar to reptiles and amphibians: the vertebral bodies are biconcave, with a chord preserved between them.

Otrad scaly

Typical representative scaly - quick lizard. Its appearance indicates that it is a terrestrial animal: the five-fingered limbs do not have swimming membranes, the fingers are armed with claws; the legs are short, and therefore the body, when moving, seems to crawl along the ground, every now and then coming into contact with it - reptiles (hence the name).

Lizards

Although the lizard's legs are short, it can run quickly, quickly escaping from its pursuers into its burrow or climbing a tree. This was the reason for its name - quick. The lizard's head is connected to the cylindrical body using the neck. The neck is poorly developed, but will still give the lizard's head some mobility. Unlike a frog, a lizard can turn its head without turning its whole body. Like all land animals, it has through nostrils, and its eyes have eyelids.

Behind each eye, in a small depression, is the eardrum, connected to the middle and inner ear. From time to time, the lizard sticks out of its mouth a long, thin tongue forked at the end - an organ of touch and taste.

The lizard's body, covered with scales, rests on two pairs of legs. The humerus and femur bones are parallel to the surface of the earth, causing the body to sag and drag along the ground. The ribs are attached to the thoracic vertebrae, forming the rib cage, which protects the heart and lungs from damage.

Digestive, excretory and nervous system lizards are generally similar to the corresponding amphibian systems.

Respiratory organs - lungs. Their walls have a cellular structure, which significantly increases their surface area. The lizard does not have skin respiration.

The lizard's brain is better developed than that of amphibians. Although it has the same five divisions, but the hemispheres forebrain The cerebellum and medulla oblongata are larger and much more massive.

The sand lizard is distributed very widely from the Black Sea to the Arkhangelsk region, from the Baltic Sea to Transbaikalia. In the north, it gives way to a viviparous lizard similar to it, but more adapted to the cold climate. In the southern regions there are many different types lizards Lizards live in burrows, which in summer weather they leave in the morning and evening, but no further than 10-20 m from the burrow.

They feed on insects, slugs, and in the south - locusts, caterpillars of butterflies and beetles. Within a day, one lizard can destroy up to 70 insects and plant pests. Therefore, lizards deserve protection as very useful animals.

The lizard's body temperature is not constant (the animal is active only in the warm season); it drops sharply even if a cloud approaches the sun. With a longer drop in temperature, the lizard loses mobility and stops eating. During the winter it hibernates; can tolerate freezing and cooling of the body down to -5°, -7°C, while all the life processes of the animal slow down significantly. Gradual warming returns the lizard to active life.

In addition to the sand lizard and viviparous lizard, there are many other species of lizards. Common in Ukraine and the Caucasus large green lizard : in desert areas - agama lizards with a long flexible and unbreakable tail.

Predatory lizard gray monitor lizard desert dweller Central Asia. Its length is up to 60 cm. The monitor lizard eats arthropods, rodents, eggs of turtles and birds. The largest specimens of monitor lizards discovered by herpetologists (the science that studies reptiles) on the island of Komolo reach 36 cm. legless lizard - spindle.

Chameleons

Chameleons in appearance they resemble medium-sized lizards, with a helmet-shaped outgrowth on the head and a laterally compressed body. This is a highly specialized animal, adapted to an arboreal lifestyle. His fingers are fused together like pincers, with which he tightly grasps the branches of trees. The long and prehensile tail is also used for climbing. The chameleon has a very unique eye structure. The movements of the left and right eyes are not coordinated and independent of each other, which provides some advantages when catching insects. Interesting feature Chameleon's ability to change skin color is a protective device. Chameleons are common in India, Madagascar, Africa, Asia Minor and southern Spain.

Snakes

In addition to lizards, the order Squamate includes snakes. Unlike chameleons, snakes are adapted to crawling on their stomachs and swimming. Due to wave-like movements, the legs gradually completely lost their role as organs of locomotion; only some snakes retained their rudiments (a boa constrictor). Snakes move by bending their legless body. Adaptation to crawling was manifested in the structure internal organs snakes, some of them completely disappeared. Snakes don't have Bladder and just one lung.

Snakes see poorly. Their eyelids are fused, transparent and cover their eyes like a watch glass.

Among the snakes there are non-venomous and poisonous species. The largest non-venomous snake is boa- lives in the tropics. There are boas up to 10 m long. They attack birds and mammals, strangling their prey by squeezing it with their body, and then swallowing it whole. Large boas living in tropical forests, are also dangerous for humans.

From non-venomous snakes widespread snakes. The common snake is easily distinguished from poisonous snakes by two orange crescent spots on the head and round pupils of the eyes. It lives near rivers, lakes, ponds, feeding on frogs, and sometimes small fish, swallowing them alive.

Poisonous snakes include viper, cobra, or spectacled snake , rattlesnake and etc.

Viper easy to recognize by the long zigzag dark stripe, stretching along the back. In the upper jaw of the viper there are two poisonous teeth with tubules inside. Through these tubules, the poisonous liquid secreted by the victim enters the wound. salivary glands snakes, and the prey, such as a mouse or small bird, dies.

By destroying huge numbers of mice and locusts, vipers benefit humans. However, their bites can cause long-term illness and even death in animals and even humans. The venom of such snakes as asian cobra, American rattlesnake.

Wounds formed when a person is bitten by a snake look like two red dots. Painful swelling quickly occurs around them, gradually spreading throughout the body. A person develops drowsiness, cold sweats, nausea, delirium, and in severe cases, death occurs.

When biting a person poisonous snake urgent first aid measures must be taken, remove excess poison near the wound with blotting paper, cotton wool or a clean cloth, if possible, disinfect the bite site with a manganese solution, strictly protect the wound from contamination, give the victim strong tea or coffee, and ensure rest. Then take him to the hospital as quickly as possible for immediate administration of anti-snake serum. Where there are poisonous snakes, you should not walk barefoot. Care must be taken when picking berries, protecting your hands from snake bites.

Otrad crocodiles

Crocodiles- these are the largest and most highly organized predatory reptiles, adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, living in tropical countries. Nile crocodile most spends its life in water, where it swims beautifully, using a strong, laterally compressed tail, as well as hind limbs that have swimming membranes. The crocodile's eyes and nostrils are elevated, so it only needs to raise its head out of the water a little and it can already see what is happening above the water, and also breathe atmospheric air.

On land, crocodiles are slow to maneuver and, when in danger, rush into the water. They quickly drag their prey into the water. These are various animals that the crocodile lies in wait at watering places. It can also attack humans. Crocodiles hunt mainly at night. During the day they often lie motionless in groups on the shallows.

Turtle squad

Turtles differ from other reptiles in their well-developed, durable shell. It is formed from bone plates, covered on the outside with horny substance, and consists of two shields: the upper convex and the lower flat. These shields are connected to each other from the sides, and there are large gaps in front and behind the joints. The head and forelimbs are exposed from the front, and the hind limbs from the back. Almost all aquatic turtles- predators, land animals - herbivores.

Turtles typically lay hard-shelled eggs on land. Turtles grow slowly, but are among the long-livers (up to 150 years). There are giant turtles (soup turtle up to 1 m long. Weight - 450 kg. marsh turtle- up to 2 m and up to 400 kg). They are objects of fishing.

Meat, fat, eggs are used for food, and a variety of horn products are made from the shell. We have one species of turtles - marsh turtle, lives up to 30 years. During the winter it hibernates.

The science that studies animals is called zoology. It forms a separate section in biology. The branch of zoology dealing with herpetology.

Herpetology and batrachology

Aristotle, as the first herpetologist, identified the study of lizards, frogs, turtles, and snakes as a separate science - herpetology. He combined amphibians and reptiles into one group and called them “reptiles.” Over time, the concept of “reptiles” became more precise: reptiles and amphibians were divided into two groups. The science of batrachology began to study amphibians.

However, scientists who study reptiles are also interested in amphibians, and vice versa. Therefore, batrachology as a separate science has not taken root and is mainly considered as a subsection of herpetology. That is, the science that studies reptiles and amphibians is called herpetology.

Amphibians

Amphibians are amphibious vertebrates that could not completely abandon the use of water in their lives. They can live both on land and in water, so their breathing abilities have their own characteristics: breathing is possible with the help of gills, lungs, through the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth. Amphibians breed only in water.

Amphibians appeared a long time ago, but as a species they did not disappear, but, on the contrary, were able to adapt to new living conditions.

Distinctive features of amphibians that helped them adapt to the world around them:

• small size;
• indiscriminate eating, thanks to which they easily find food for themselves, and this helps them avoid hunger;
• significant fertility (thus they protect their species from extinction);
• color, which acts as camouflage, does not allow enemies to detect amphibians;
• the poisonousness of some species is an opportunity to protect oneself from enemies.

Reptiles

The word “reptile” translated from Latin means “to crawl” or “to creep.” Everything about reptiles: their appearance, lifestyle, reproduction is considered by the science that studies reptiles - herpetology.

The greatest number and diversity of representatives of this species were achieved in (230 million years BC - 67 million years BC). Ancient reptiles can be divided into three types: those that lived on land, those that lived in water, and those that flew like birds.

IN modern world There are four types of reptiles:

• crocodiles;
• beakheads;
• scaly;
• turtles.

The science that studies snakes and other reptiles classifies them as higher vertebrates, along with birds and mammals.

Herpetology as a branch of veterinary medicine

Every year more and more exotic animals appear in houses and apartments. Animals living in terrariums require special care and treatment that is not typical for other pets.

Such animals should be monitored by a specialist who understands the vital functions of such animals, has good knowledge in the field of therapy, surgery, and can conduct high-quality diagnostics possible illness. Thus, the veterinarian must be a herpetologist. Therefore, the name of the veterinarian - herpetologist - comes from the name of the science that studies reptiles.

When treating reptiles or amphibians, the doctor must know everything about their behavior: how they behave in a given situation, what features exist in different periods their lives.

Terrarism

Gradually, the fashion for keeping exotic animals at home: reptiles or amphibians is becoming part of people's lives. However, being interested in such animals is not a cheap pleasure. Costs will be required both for purchasing the desired animal and for arranging it in the house.

More and more people are trying to create terrariums in homes that are as similar as possible to a corner of wildlife, using natural elements to decorate the terrarium. A professionally furnished terrarium, both aesthetically and in accordance with the needs of the animal inside, will decorate your home and provide the opportunity to watch your exotic animal with pleasure.

Conclusion

Thus, the science that studies reptiles is called herpetology. This science includes batrachology - the study of amphibians.

Amphibians constitute the smallest class among vertebrates, reptiles are twice as numerous. However, representatives of these classes are unique and arouse genuine interest in the field of study and adaptation to environment. Reptiles and amphibians are cold-blooded. However, they have the following differences:

• The body of amphibians is covered with moist skin, while the body of reptiles is covered with scales, scutes or plates;
• Amphibians do not have claws, reptiles do;
• Amphibian eggs do not have a hard coating; reptiles have a thick, hard shell;
• newborn amphibians go through the larval stage, reptiles do not;
• amphibians lay eggs in water, reptiles lay eggs on land;
• amphibians: salamanders, toads, frogs;
• reptiles - crocodiles, turtles, beaked heads, amphisbaenas, snakes.

Modern herpetology, as a science that studies reptiles, continues to explore life activity and monitor the development of reptiles and amphibians. IN Lately becoming more and more popular