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, though often confused due to their similar appearances, are distinct groups of animals that share some common characteristics. These fascinating creatures share some similarities in their physical characteristics, such as being vertebrates and shedding their skin. Additionally, both reptiles and amphibians exhibit predatory behavior, using their tongues to catch prey. Moreover, these animals are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. However, there are notable differences between reptiles and amphibians. For instance, amphibians lay their eggs in water, while reptiles lay their eggs on land. Furthermore, amphibians have delicate and permeable skin, whereas reptiles possess dry and scaly skin, allowing them to live in various environments. Another dissimilarity is that amphibians undergo metamorphosis, progressing from a larval tadpole stage to an adult stage, while reptiles do not experience this transformation. Understanding these similarities and differences between reptiles and amphibians can provide valuable insights into the fascinating world of herpetology.