Evaluate Basic External Animal Anatomy and Morphology - AgriSETA

Evaluate Basic External Animal Anatomy and MorphologyPrimary Agriculture NQF Level 1 Unit Standard No: 116173171.3 ReptilesA reptile is a cold-blooded animal which means that it is not capable of keeping itsbody temperature constant like the mammals and the birds.This group of animals includes snakes, lizards, chameleons, crocodiles and tortoises.The lizard is a good example to study but any other species of reptile can bestudied.We will study the external anatomy of the lizard.Lizards HabitatThe lizard lives among stones, plants, and old trees. Some are welladapted to even live in very harsh circumstances like deserts. They are shyanimals and live on insects. In winter they are inactive and spend this timein a well-sheltered environment. The best time to study them is during thewarmer months. BodyThe body is elongated and slightly flattened from top to bottom. Body coverThe skin has horny scales arranged like roof tiles. The scales on the headare larger and lie next to each other. They are called shields. The skin ofthe lizard is dry and is shed once a year. There are no glands in the skin. The headThe head of the lizard is triangular and flattened from top to bottom. Thefollowing are found on the head:• The mouthThe mouth is found on the front of the head and is broad.A single row of fine similar teeth occurs on both the upperand lower jaw. A long tongue is attached at the back ofthe mouth. Prey can be caught and held with the teeth before it isswallowed whole.• The eyesLarge eyes occur on each side of the head with an upper and lowereyelid. There is also a membrane attached to the inner corner of theeye. It protects and cleans the eye of fine debris.Version: 01 Version Date: July 2006