Below is the outline of the body of an essay on reptiles and amphibians.

1. Similarities between reptiles and amphibians

A. Physical characteristics/appearance: both animals are vertebrates, and both animals shed their skin.

B. Predator and prey: reptiles and amphibians are both predators and prey; both animals use their tongues to catch prey.

C. Ectotherms: both animals are ectothermic, or cold-blooded: they cannot regulate their own body temperatures internally like mammals can.

2. Differences between reptiles and amphibians

A. Eggs: amphibians lay their eggs in water, whereas reptiles lay their eggs on land.

B. Skin: amphibians have delicate, thin, semi-permeable skin, and they must live close to water or in very humid habitats; reptiles have dry, scaly skin that enables them to live away from water.

C. Metamorphosis: amphibians go through a metamorphosis from a tadpole or larval stage with gills to an air-breathing adult stage. Reptiles do not go through metamorphosis. When the young are born or hatched, they look like miniature adults.

Use the outline above to write a five- or six-sentence introduction. Be sure to include a hook in the introduction

Reptiles and amphibians are two distinct groups of animals that often fascinate us with their unique adaptations and ancient lineage. Both belonging to the cold-blooded ectothermic class, they share some intriguing similarities such as their vertebral status, the ability to shed skin, and their roles as both predators and prey in nature's complex web. Interestingly, these creatures employ their remarkable tongues in a similar manner to catch their unsuspecting prey. However, despite these commonalities, notable differences in their reproductive strategies, skin properties, and developmental processes set these two classes apart. While amphibians lay their eggs in moist environments and undergo dramatic changes from larvae to adults, reptiles are born as miniature versions of their parents and prefer the dry refuge of terrestrial habitats. This essay will explore the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians, shedding light on both their shared characteristics and the unique traits that define their separate paths in the animal kingdom.