Reptile Reproduction
Douglas Wilkin, Ph.D.
Jean Brainard, Ph.D.
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Printed: August 3, 2012
AUTHORS
Douglas Wilkin, Ph.D.
Jean Brainard, Ph.D.
www.ck12.org
C ONCEPT
Concept 1. Reptile Reproduction
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Reptile Reproduction
• Describe the amniotic egg and reptile reproduction.
What are the advantages of a water-tight egg?
Obviously, water-tight eggs can be laid anywhere. They do not have to be kept constantly moist. There is no danger
of the developing fetus dehydrating. Shown above is a turtle hatching.
Reptile Reproduction
Most reptiles reproduce sexually and have internal fertilization. Males have one or two penises that pass sperm from
their cloaca to the cloaca of a female. Fertilization occurs within the cloaca, and fertilized eggs leave the female’s
body through the opening in the cloaca. In a minority of species, the eggs are retained inside the female’s body until
they hatch. Then the offspring leave the mother’s body through the cloaca opening.
Amniotic Eggs
Unlike amphibians, reptiles produce amniotic eggs (see Figure 1.1). The shell, membranes, and other structures of
an amniotic egg protect and nourish the embryo. They keep the embryo moist and safe while it grows and develops.
They also provide it with a rich, fatty food source (the yolk).
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FIGURE 1.1
The amniotic egg is an important adaptation in fully terrestrial vertebrates. It
first evolved in reptiles. The shells of
reptile eggs are either hard or leathery.
Reptile Young
Unlike amphibians, reptiles do not have a larval stage. Instead, newly hatched reptiles look like smaller versions of
the adults. They are able to move about on their own, but they are vulnerable to predators. Even so, most reptile
parents provide no care to their hatchlings. In fact, most reptiles don’t even take care of their eggs. For example,
female sea turtles lay their eggs on a sandy beach and then return to the ocean. The only exceptions are female
crocodiles and alligators. They may defend their nest from predators and help the hatchlings reach the water. If the
young remain in the area, the mother may continue to protect them for up to a year.
Vocabulary
• amniotic egg: Egg that can withstand a lack of water environment; has a water-impermeable amniotic
membrane surrounding a fluid-filled amniotic cavity; permits embryonic development on land without danger
of dessication.
• cloaca: Body cavity with a single opening in amphibians, reptiles, birds and monotreme mammals; collects
and excretes wastes from the digestive and excretory systems and gametes from the reproductive system.
• yolk: Food source for developing embryo within an amniotic egg.
Summary
•
•
•
•
Most reptiles reproduce sexually and have internal fertilization.
Reptile eggs are amniotic, so they can be laid on land instead of in water.
Reptiles do not have a larval stage, and their hatchlings are relatively mature.
Reptile parents provide little if any care to their young.
Practice
Use this resource to answer the questions that follow.
• http://www.hippocampus.org/Biology → Non-Majors Biology → Search: Reptiles
1. Describe the amniotic egg.
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Concept 1. Reptile Reproduction
2. Do most reptiles use internal or external fertilization?
3. Describe how turtles care for their young.
Review
1. Outline the structure and function of an amniotic egg.
2. Describe young reptiles.
3