Below is the outline of the body of an essay on reptiles and amphibians.

Question

1. Similarities between reptiles and amphibians

A. Physical characteristics/appearance: both animals are vertebrates, and both animals shed their skin.

B. Predator and prey: reptiles and amphibians are both predators and prey; both animals use their tongues to catch prey.

C. Ectotherms: both animals are ectothermic, or cold-blooded: they cannot regulate their own body temperatures internally like mammals can.

2. Differences between reptiles and amphibians

A. Eggs: amphibians lay their eggs in water, whereas reptiles lay their eggs on land.

B. Skin: amphibians have delicate, thin, semi-permeable skin, and they must live close to water or in very humid habitats; reptiles have dry, scaly skin that enables them to live away from water.

C. Metamorphosis: amphibians go through a metamorphosis from a tadpole or larval stage with gills to an air-breathing adult stage. Reptiles do not go through metamorphosis. When the young are born or hatched, they look like miniature adults.

Use the outline above to write a five- or six-sentence introduction. Be sure to include a hook in the introduction.

Answer 1

Reptiles and amphibians, often lumped together due to their shared characteristics, occupy a unique place in the animal kingdom. These cold-blooded creatures exhibit fascinating similarities and intriguing differences that have captured the curiosity of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. Despite their physical dissimilarities, reptiles and amphibians share commonalities in appearance, predator-prey dynamics, and their ectothermic nature. Yet, the divergence between these two groups can be observed in areas such as egg-laying habits, skin composition, and the transformative process of metamorphosis. As we delve into the world of reptiles and amphibians, we are confronted with wondrous creatures that both pique our interest and evoke a sense of awe.