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.

(4 points)

Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.

The answer is fully supported by details.

There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

3
The answer is mostly clear.

The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.

There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

2
The answer is somewhat clear.

Details are weak or not related.

There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

1
The answer is not clear.

There are few or no supporting details.

There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

0 The question is not answered.
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Answer 1

Reptiles and amphibians are fascinating creatures with a range of similarities and differences. Both reptiles and amphibians are vertebrates, meaning they have a backbone, and they both undergo the process of shedding their skin. These creatures are not only predators, but they also serve as prey in their respective ecosystems. Using their tongues as a unique mechanism, reptiles and amphibians effortlessly catch their prey. Another similarity between these two groups is that they are ectothermic, which means they cannot regulate their own body temperature internally like mammals can. However, despite these similarities, there are distinct differences between reptiles and amphibians. Amphibians lay their eggs in water, while reptiles lay their eggs on land. Additionally, amphibians have delicate, thin, semi-permeable skin that requires them to live close to water or in very humid habitats. On the other hand, reptiles have dry, scaly skin that enables them to thrive in more arid environments. Another noteworthy difference is the process of metamorphosis. Amphibians go through a dramatic transformation from a tadpole or larval stage with gills to an air-breathing adult stage, whereas reptiles do not undergo metamorphosis and their young resemble miniature adults when born or hatched. These distinct characteristics highlight the uniqueness of reptiles and amphibians, making them captivating subjects of study.