Reptiles have dry, scaly skin, usually lay eggs on land, and don't undergo metamorphosis. Amphibians have moist, mucousy skin, lay eggs in water, and (usually) undergo metamorphosis.
The axolotl is a paedomorphic salamander, in that it doesn't metamorphose into an air-breathing adult, but remain fully aquatic throughout its life. The term, 'axolotl' comes from the Aztec language, known as Nahuatl. In the wild, Axolotls are exclusively found in the remaining wetlands of the ancient Lake Xochimilco, in Mexico City.
2. Salamander
Answer: Amphibian
Salamanders have lizard-like, slender bodies with blunt snouts and short limbs which project at right angles to the body. In both the larval and adult stages of development, a tail is present. Salamanders are both predators as well as prey, consuming insects and spiders.
They are an important link in the food chain. Because of their moist skin, salamanders are vulnerable to drought and toxins. They are a crucial indicator of the health of an ecosystem.
3. Olm
Answer: Amphibian
The olm is an entirely aquatic amphibian. In the wild, they are exclusively found in the underground, aquatic cave systems of the Dinaric Alps in Central and Southeastern Europe. Olms are native to the dark, limestone caves found in that region. They are blind, with recessed eyes, but retain light sensitivity and will actually swim away from any light they detect.
4. Siren
Answer: Amphibian
The siren is a type of aquatic salamander with small forelimbs and absent hind limbs. They have external gills in both the larval and adult stages, and are found in the southeastern US and northern Mexico. Sirens are primarily carnivorous but occasionally eat plant material. Their lifespan in the wild is unknown, but they can live up to 25 years in captivity.
5. Mudpuppy
Answer: Amphibian
Mudpuppies are a type of salamander which live an entirely aquatic lifestyle. They retain their gills and go through a process called paedomorphosis, meaning they keep their juvenile or larval characteristics into maturity. They take six years to become sexually mature and live up to 11 years in the wild, and between 20 and 30 years in captivity.
6. Iguana
Answer: Reptile
Iguanas are herbivorous lizards that live in tropical areas of Mexico, and Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. The vision of iguanas is very good and they can see shapes, colours and movement at long distances. Interestingly, females can store sperm for a number of years to fertilize their eggs.
In the wild, iguanas live about 8 years, but in captivity they can live up to 25 years.
7. Turtle
Answer: Reptile
Turtles are divided into two groups, side necked and hidden necked, the difference being the way the head retracts. They are capable of interbreeding but that can cause negative consequences such as decreased survival and genetic abnormalities. There are approximately 360 species of turtles worldwide, except in Antarctica.
8. Caiman
Answer: Reptile
The caiman lives in Central and South America and is similar in appearance to alligators, although they inhabit different places are are incapable of interbreeding. The caiman lays between 10 and 50 eggs and they hatch within six weeks, The mother takes her hatchlings to a shallow body of water where they learn to swim and hunt.
9. Viper
Answer: Reptile
All 350 species of vipers are venomous and are found in most regions of the world. They give birth to live young, and the mother stays with them for a week or two until they experience their first shedding. Vipers can interbreed, producing fertile young which can further interbreed. The smaller species generally live for 5 to 10 years, and the larger species can live up to 20 years.
10. Chameleon
Answer: Reptile
There are approximately 200 species of chameleons, most of which cannot interbreed. They are capable of changing colour but actually do so mainly to communicate with other chameleons, rather than to blend in to the environment. The process of changing colours usually takes 30-45 seconds. They live in various warm environments such as Africa, the Middle East, Sri Lanka and India.
11. Platypus
Answer: Neither
The platypus is a semi-aquatic egg-laying mammal native to Australia. The males have venomous spurs on their hind feet, although the females do not. These spurs are used to fight other males during the mating season. Platypuses can live up to 20 years in both the wild as well as captivity. The name of platypus comes from Greek, meaning 'flat foot'.
12. Echidna
Answer: Neither
Echidnas are quilled monotremes which are primitive egg-laying mammals. They can live up to 15 years in the wild, and up to 50 years in captivity. Echidnas live in Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania. Male echidnas have spurs on their hind feet, like the platypus, although echidna spurs are not venomous. Echidnas are divided into two species, the short nosed and the long nosed, but they cannot interbreed.
13. Pangolin
Answer: Neither
Pangolin species are found in Sub Saharan Africa and Asia. Their lifespan in the wild is unknown, however they can live up to 20 tears in captivity. They have large scales made of keratin, and are the only mammals to have that type of armour. When threatened, they roll into a ball, their scales protecting them from being eaten. Pangolins cannot interbreed with other pangolin species.
14. Armadillo
Answer: Neither
Armadillos are placental mammals with a leathery shell and long sharp claws for digging. Despite their short legs, they can move quickly. Armadillos live in tropical and temperate regions of the Americas. The most common species is the nine-banded armadillo which produces identical quadruplets. Because they produce identical offspring, there is no possibility for individuals to interbreed.
15. Emu
Answer: Neither
Emus are flightless birds found in Australia and are unusual in that the males both sits on the eggs and raises the young. The female lays 8 - 10 eggs in a nest prepared by the male. The eggs are various shades of green, the colour being a way to camouflage them in the grass and leaves. Emus can live up to 20 years in the wild and up to 35 years in captivity.
They are not capable of interbreeding with other species and breeding with close relatives can result in genetic defects.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor rossian before going online.
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