What adaptations did reptiles develop that allowed them to live on land?
1. Water-resistant skin: Reptiles have thick, scaly skin that helps prevent water loss when living on land.
2. Efficient respiratory system: Reptiles have developed lungs that are more efficient at extracting oxygen from the air compared to amphibians, allowing them to thrive on land.
3. Amniotic eggs: Reptiles lay amniotic eggs with a protective shell that allows them to reproduce on land rather than relying on water for reproduction.
4. Strong limbs: Reptiles have strong, muscular limbs that allow them to move effectively on land and capture prey.
5. Internal fertilization: Most reptiles have internal fertilization, reducing the need for water-based reproduction and allowing them to reproduce on land.
6. Improved temperature regulation: Reptiles have developed mechanisms to regulate their body temperature, such as basking in the sun or seeking shade, enabling them to adapt to a wider range of environments on land.
7. Water-conserving metabolism: Reptiles have a slower metabolism compared to amphibians, enabling them to conserve water more effectively and survive in drier environments.