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.

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Reptiles and amphibians are fascinating creatures that share some similarities as well as notable differences. Both animals, for instance, are vertebrates and shed their skin. They also play roles as both predators and prey, utilizing their tongues to catch their meals. Another common trait is that they are ectothermic, meaning they rely on the environment to regulate their body temperatures. However, there are key distinctions that set these two groups apart. Amphibians lay their eggs in water, while reptiles lay theirs on land. The skin of amphibians is delicate and permeable, requiring them to live near water, whereas reptiles have dry, scaly skin that allows them to thrive in various habitats. Additionally, amphibians undergo a metamorphosis from a tadpole or larval stage to an adult, while reptiles do not experience such transformation. With their intricate similarities and intriguing differences, reptiles and amphibians captivate both scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.