Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) [Photo: David Burdick, NOAA Photo Library]
Amphisbaenians, lizards, snakes, turtles, crocodilians, and tuatara make up the 8,734 known reptile species of the world. Their size and shape are tremendously diverse, from the largest living turtle, the leatherback sea turtle, to the tiny, 16mm gecko (Sphaerodactylus ariasae). Despite the great diversity, scientists are concerned that the diversity of reptiles in the world is declining. Volunteering at an organization dedicated to conservation is one way to help prevent reptiles in the wild from becoming endangered or extinct.
Reptiles and amphibians are traditionally studied together under the scientific field "herpetology" (from the Greek herpein, to creep). Visit the NBII Amphibians Project to learn more about amphibians.
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