Common characteristics of reptiles include having scales, cold-bloodedness, breathing through lungs, and laying soft-shelled eggs. Reptiles differ from mammals in that they do not have hair or fur, they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young, and they have a three-chambered heart. 1
Other common characteristics of reptiles include having a waterproof skin covered in scales to prevent water loss, a skeletal system that includes a spinal column and ribs, and a reliance on external heat sources to regulate body temperature. Reptiles also have specialized teeth for capturing and eating prey, and many species have the ability to regenerate lost tails or limbs. Additionally, most reptiles have a strong sense of smell and use their tongues to gather chemical information about their surroundings.
