Do All Reptiles Have Backbones?
Reptiles are a class of vertebrates, meaning they have backbones. The scientific name for reptiles is Sauropsida, which means ‘lizard-faced’.
Every species of reptile has a unique number of backbones, depending on how they evolved. Some reptiles, such as snakes, lack any sort of visible backbone, while others, such as turtles, have a large backbone.
Types Of Reptiles With Backbones
The following are some types of reptiles that do have backbones:
- Turtles – Turtles are classified as reptiles and have a large, visible backbone.
- Lizards – Most types of lizards have a backbone and a long, thin tail.
- Crocodilians – These are actually reptiles and have a large, visible backbone.
Types Of Reptiles Without Backbones
The following are some types of reptiles that do not have backbones:
- Snakes – Snakes are classified as reptiles but lack any sort of visible backbone.
- Amphibians – Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders are considered to be a separate class of animals and do not have backbones.
In conclusion, whether a reptile has a backbone or not depends on its species. Most reptiles, such as turtles and lizards, have backbones, while some, such as snakes and amphibians, do not.