Reptiles (from the Late Latin, neuter of reptilis, meaning ‘creeping‘) are cold-blooded (ectothermic) vertebrates of the class Reptilia. They are often found in every kind of habitat, including grasslands, swamps, forests, deserts, oceans, and other arid environments. Over 11,500 vertebrate species currently recognized and classified as reptiles constitute the dominant terrestrial vertebrate group.
World's Oldest Reptile
The oldest known reptile that lived about 315 million ago was Hylonomus lyelli during the Late Carboniferous period. It was also the first animal known to have fully acclimated to live on dry land. According to several fossil strata found in Nova Scotia, this small lizard-like creature was about 8 to 12 inches long and had numerous sharp teeth indicating an insectivorous diet.
World's Newest Reptile
In 2021, the German-Madagascan expedition team discovered a new chameleon species (Brookesia nana) in the northern Madagascar rainforest. This nano-chameleon is about a size of a sunflower seed. You can fit this smallest reptile on the top of a finger. This male nano-chameleon is about 22 mm (from nose to tail), whereas the female nano-chameleon is slightly larger at 29 mm. It is believed that this smallest reptile is closely related to larger Brookesia micra.
Characteristics of Reptiles
Types of Reptiles
Reptiles are classified under four different orders, namely Crocodilia, Rhynchocephalia, Squamata, and Testudines.