Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. The word "reptile" comes from an old Greek word meaning "creeping thing." The word "amphibian" comes from Greek words meaning "double life," because most amphibians start life in the water and finish it on land. Here is something that surprises a lot of people: reptiles and amphibians are not close relatives. A snake is more closely related to a bird than it is to a frog. So why do we study them together? Partly because they often live in the same places and do some of the same things. And partly because the people who love one group usually love the other one too. Herpetology is a field with almost no limits.
This lesson is part of Certified Junior Herpetologist. Enrollment is self-paced, with no deadline to finish (about 30 hours).
