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.

2-3 short sentences max

Answer 1

Reptiles and amphibians both belong to the fascinating world of cold-blooded creatures, sharing striking similarities and intriguing differences. From their physical appearance to their hunting tactics, these two groups of animals mirror each other in numerous ways. However, it is their distinct characteristics that truly set them apart. While amphibians lay their eggs in water, reptiles choose to deposit them on land. Furthermore, while reptiles possess dry, scaly skin that allows them to survive away from water, amphibians rely on their delicate, semi-permeable skin to withstand humid habitats. Lastly, it is the metamorphosis that distinguishes amphibians, as they undergo a dramatic transformation from aquatic larvae to air-breathing adults, while reptiles hatch in a miniature version of their adult selves. Through exploring these similarities and differences, we can uncover the wonders of these remarkable creatures.