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, two distinct groups of creatures that share a common ancestry, are often grouped together due to several similarities in their characteristics and behaviors. Both reptiles and amphibians are vertebrates, meaning they possess a backbone, and they also shed their skin periodically. In addition, both animals serve as both predators and prey in ecosystems, using their specialized tongues as a weapon to catch their food. Furthermore, both reptiles and amphibians are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, meaning they depend on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. However, despite these resemblances, there are notable differences that set these two groups apart. Amphibians lay their eggs in water, whereas reptiles lay their eggs on land. The skin of amphibians is delicate, thin, and semi-permeable, requiring them to reside near water or in humid environments. On the other hand, reptiles have dry, scaly skin that enables them to thrive in drier habitats. Additionally, amphibians experience a metamorphosis from a larval stage with gills to an adult stage capable of breathing air, while reptiles are born or hatched looking like miniature adults. Through delving into these similarities and differences, this essay will provide an insightful understanding of the unique traits and adaptations exhibited by reptiles and amphibians.