Amphibians include the anurans (frogs and toads), the salamanders, and the less known caecilians. Their most common feature is a smooth moist skin. Additionally, many amphibians go through a larval stage prior to maturity.
Reptiles include the crocodilians (alligators and crocodiles), chelonians (turtles and tortoises), squamates (lizards and snakes), and the evolutionary relic tuatara. The predominant feature of reptiles is the presence of a dry scaly skin.
Within the amphibians and reptiles, there is great diversity,
so their behavior, physiological requirements, and proper care
must be assessed on a species-by-species basis. However, there are
some broad generalities that can be applied. 