Can you tell the difference between a reptile and an amphibian? It can be challenging. After all, they are both ectothermic vertebrate animals. But there are a few key differences between reptiles and amphibians that you can use to tell them apart.

A note for educators: are you planning to teach reptiles and amphibians in your classroom? If so, I know you will love my complete Reptiles Unit and Amphibians Unit. They’re both packed with all the printable handouts, worksheets, and activity directions you’ll need – plus you’ll support this blog with your purchase! 💚(You can also find both of these units in my Vertebrates Bundle!)

Lungs & Gills

First, reptiles always breathe air through lungs. Even aquatic reptiles never have gills and must go to the surface to breathe. But some amphibians have gills. Most amphibians live underwater for at least part of their lives. Many young amphibians live underwater and have gills. Some adult amphibians have gills too, but others develop lungs and live on land.

Life Cycles

Young amphibians look very different from adult amphibians. This is because they go through metamorphosis. An example of metamorphosis is a tadpole becoming a frog. Reptiles do not go through metamorphosis.

Skin

Amphibians and reptiles have different skin. Reptiles have dry, scaly skin, like snakes and lizards, or scutes like crocodiles. Instead, amphibians have moist skin that often looks smooth. Amphibians can also breathe through their skin!

Habitats

Reptiles and amphibians are both found on land and in freshwater. A few reptiles, like sea turtles, live in the ocean. But there are no amphibians living in the ocean.

Eggs

Reptile and amphibian eggs look very different. Amphibians lay soft, jelly-like eggs into water. Reptiles lay hard-shelled or leathery eggs on land. Some reptiles do not lay eggs at all and give birth to live young instead.

Examples

 Amphibians include:

• frogs
• newts
• salamanders

Reptiles include:

• lizards
• snakes
• turtles
• tuataras
• crocodilians

Reptiles vs Amphibians: Classroom Activity

After students finish reading about reptiles and amphibians, they can review what they have learned with this Venn Diagram activity.

• Make a Venn diagram with reptiles on one side and amphibians on the other.
• Write the characteristics specific to amphibians on the amphibian side.
• Write the characteristics specific to reptiles on the reptiles side.
• Write the characteristics that reptiles and amphibians share in the middle section.

Are you an educator? I’ve created worksheets and materials for this Venn diagram activity that you can download.

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References and Further Reading

1. Greater Cleveland Aquarium (2019). EXPLORING SIMILARITIES, CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES: AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES. Available: https://www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com/exploring-similarities-celebrating-differences-amphibians-and-reptiles/
2. Nuwer, R. (2013). Ancient Reptiles Kept Switching Between Laying Eggs And Giving Birth to Live Babies. Smithsonian Magazine. Available: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ancient-reptiles-kept-switching-between-laying-eggs-and-giving-birth-to-live-babies-180948172/
3. Schick, M. (2015). Amphibian or Reptile? Here’s the Difference. Shedd Aquarium. Available: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/stories/amphibian-or-reptile-here-s-the-difference
4. Uetz, P. (1996). General Information (and “FAQ”). The Reptile Database. Available: http://www.reptile-database.org/db-info/introduction.html

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