Herpetology

reptiles · amphibians · zoology · animal science

Reptiles and Amphibians. Herpetologists study two amazing groups of animals: reptiles like snakes, lizards, and turtles, and amphibians like frogs, salamanders, and newts. These cold-blooded creatures are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Branch of Zoology. Herpetology is a special part of zoology, which is the study of animals. Just like ornithologists focus only on birds, herpetologists spend their careers learning everything about reptiles and amphibians.

Scales and Slime. Reptiles have dry, scaly skin, while amphibians have moist, smooth skin that they often breathe through. This big difference affects how these animals live and where they can survive in the world.

Different Life Cycles. Many amphibians lay eggs in water and start life as tadpoles before transforming into adult frogs or salamanders. Most reptiles lay eggs on land with tough shells, and their babies look like tiny versions of adults.

Everywhere Except Birds. Herpetologists study every reptile and amphibian in the world, but birds are studied by a different group of scientists called ornithologists, even though birds are technically a type of reptile.