Reptiles: A Very Short Introduction

Reptiles have evolved to live on land, with waterproof skin, efficient waste disposal, and amniotic eggs. They have adapted to different lifestyles, but face threats from over-exploitation, habitat destruction, and climate change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

For countless eons, reptiles have gracefully traversed the Earth's surface, employing a diverse range of locomotive modes such as ambling, crawling, and slithering. From the colossal dinosaurs that reigned supreme over vast territories, to the majestic pterosaurs that soared through the skies, and the marine-adapted ichthyosaurs, to the diverse array of living reptiles that grace our world today, including lizards, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, and the solitary tuatara in New Zealand, reptiles have showcased an incredible diversity of forms and sizes. In this concise yet informative introduction, Tom Kemp delves into the remarkable adaptations that reptiles have developed to facilitate their transition from aquatic habitats to terrestrial environments. These adaptations encompass a multitude of features, including waterproof skin, efficient waste disposal systems, and the ability to harness external heat for maintaining their body temperature. Kemp also explores the unique characteristics of reptile reproduction, including the amniotic egg, which is laid and develops on dry land.

Moving beyond the diverse living groups of reptiles, Kemp delves into the specific adaptations that these creatures have adopted to thrive in their respective environments. He discusses the unique feeding patterns of snakes, the respiration mechanisms of crocodiles, and the diverse range of physical features that enable them to excel in their respective roles. Kemp also assesses the significant threat posed by human activities such as over-exploitation, habitat destruction, and climate change to reptile species. He explores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect and preserve these remarkable creatures for future generations.

In conclusion, this Very Short Introduction provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the world of reptiles. It sheds light on their evolutionary history, diverse adaptations, and the challenges they face in the modern world. By highlighting the importance of conservation and raising awareness about the threats facing reptiles, Kemp encourages readers to appreciate and value these fascinating creatures and to take action to protect them for generations to come.

Weight: 126g
Dimension: 165 x 107 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198806417