Herpetology is a science that studies reptiles and amphibians

The science that studies animals is called zoology. It forms a separate section in biology. The section of zoology dealing with reptiles is called herpetology.

Herpetology and batrachology

Aristotle as the first herpetologist studied lizards, frogs, turtles, snakes singled out into a separate science - herpetology. Amphibians and reptiles he combined into one group and called "reptiles". Over time, the concept of "reptiles" was clarified: the reptiles and amphibians were divided into two groups. The study of amphibians began to deal with the science of batrahology.

However, scientists who study reptiles are also interested in amphibians, and vice versa. Therefore, batrahology as a separate science has not taken root and is mainly seen as a subsection of herpetology. That is, the science that studies reptiles and amphibians is called herpetology.

Amphibians

Amphibians are amphibian vertebrates who could not completely abandon the use of water in their lives. They can live on land and in water, so their breathing abilities have their own peculiarities: breathing is possible with the help of gills, lungs, through the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth. Amphibians multiply only in water.

Amphibians appeared long ago, while as a species they did not disappear, but, conversely, they could adapt to new living conditions.

The distinctive features of amphibians that helped them adapt to the world around them:

• small size;
• Indiscriminate eating habits, so that they easily find their own food, and this helps them avoid hunger;
• Considerable fertility (thereby protecting their species from extinction);
• Color, which acts as a disguise, does not allow enemies to detect amphibians;
• The poisonous nature of some species - the ability to protect themselves from enemies.

Reptiles

The word "reptiles" in Latin means "crawl", "cringe". All about reptiles: their appearance, way of life, reproduction is considered by science, which studies reptiles, - herpetology.

The largest number and diversity of representatives of this species was reached in the Mesozoic era (230 million years BC - 67 million years BC). Ancient reptiles can be divided into three types: those living on land, in water and flying like birds.

In the modern world there are four types of reptiles:

• Crocodiles;
• Beak-headed;
• Scaly;
• Turtles.

Science, studying snakes and other reptiles, relates them to higher vertebrates, together with birds and mammals.

Herpetology as a section of veterinary medicine

Every year more and more exotic animals appear in houses and apartments. Animals living in terrariums require special care and treatment, which is unusual for other pets.

Observe such animals should a specialist who understands the characteristics of life of such animals, has good knowledge in the field of therapy, surgery, can conduct a qualitative diagnosis of a possible disease. Thus, the veterinarian must be a herpetologist. Therefore, from what is called science, which studies reptiles, the name of the veterinarian, the herpetologist, also occurs.

When treating reptiles or amphibians, the doctor should know everything about their behavior: how they behave in a particular situation, what features exist in different periods of their life.

Terrariums

Gradually, people's lives include the fashion to house exotic animals: reptiles or amphibians. However, the fascination with such animals is an expensive pleasure. The cost will be required both for the acquisition of the desired animal, and for its arrangement in the house.

More and more terrariums in the houses try to create the most similar to the corner of wildlife, using the natural elements of the decoration of the terrarium. A professionally equipped terrarium, both aesthetically and in accordance with the needs of the inside of the animal, will decorate the house and give an opportunity to watch your exotic animals with pleasure.

Conclusion

Thus, the science that studies reptiles is called herpetology. This science includes and batrahology - the study of amphibians.

Amphibians are the smallest class among vertebrates, reptiles - twice as many. However, representatives of these classes are original and cause genuine interest in the field of study and adaptability to the environment. Reptiles and amphibians are cold-blooded. In this case, they have such differences:

• The body of amphibians is covered with damp skin, while in reptiles the body is covered with scales, shields or plates;
• Amphibians have no claws, reptiles have them;
• Amphibian eggs do not have a hard coating; reptiles have a thick hard shell;
• Newborn amphibians pass through the stage of larvae, reptiles - no;
• Amphibians lay eggs in the water, reptiles - on land;
• Amphibians: salamanders, toads, frogs;
• Reptiles - crocodiles, turtles, pecks, amphibians, snakes.

Modern herpetology as a science that studies reptiles, continues to explore life activity, observe the development of reptiles and amphibians. Recently, the profession of the veterinarian-herpetologist has become more and more popular .