Amphibians vs. Reptiles: Do You Know the Actual Difference?

Some of the key differences between reptiles and amphibians relate to skin type and reproduction. ferdinando valverde / Getty Images

When push comes to shove a lot of us would be hard-pressed to identify amphibians vs. reptiles. What do they have in common and what are the things that make them unique from each other?

You may think the main difference is how much time they spend in the water, but there are reptiles that can survive underwater and amphibians that spend plenty of their time on land. There are subtler differences that set them apart.

From scaly skin to moist habitats, amphibians and reptiles have adapted to their environments in distinct ways. Let's hop into the world of amphibians, reptiles and their slithery similarities and differences.

Amphibian Traits

Frog with tons of its eggs in water — Amphibians have moist skin that supports their aquatic lifestyle, and they lay their eggs in damp environments. Vittorio Ricci - Italy / Getty Images

Most amphibians, like frogs, salamanders and newts, have smooth skin, which is moist and permeable. This skin plays a vital role in their survival, as it allows them to absorb oxygen and stay hydrated. Unlike reptiles, amphibians lack scales, relying instead on their skin for protection and respiration.

Amphibians lay eggs in water or damp environments. Amphibian eggs are soft and jelly-like, requiring moisture to prevent them from drying out.

Baby amphibians, such as tadpoles, often start life in water and go through metamorphosis to become land-dwelling adult amphibians.

Reptile Traits

bright turquoise lizard — Reptiles typically have tough, scaly skin that comes in a wide range of colors. Suphameth Jaruthaninphong / Getty Images

Reptiles, including snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles, have scaly skin, which acts as a barrier against water loss and provides protection.

Reptiles generally have dry, tough skin, unlike the smooth skin of amphibians. This adaptation allows many reptile species to thrive in arid and desert environments.

Reptiles lay eggs with hard or leathery shells that can survive on land, though some aquatic reptiles, like sea turtles, return to water to feed. Baby reptiles hatch as miniature versions of adults, ready to survive on their own without undergoing metamorphosis.

Key Differences Between Reptiles and Amphibians

One of the biggest differences between amphibians and reptiles is their skin. Reptiles have dry, scaly skin, while amphibians keep their smooth skin moist in the water.

This difference is linked to their habitats: Most amphibians need to stay near water, while reptiles can survive in a wide range of environments, from deserts to forests.

Another key distinction lies in reproduction. Amphibians lay eggs in water, and their offspring often start life as aquatic larvae. In contrast, reptile eggs can be laid on land, thanks to their protective shells. Additionally, reptiles generally don't experience the dramatic metamorphosis that amphibians do.

Key Similarities Between Amphibians and Reptiles

Despite their differences, reptiles and amphibians share several traits that connect them.

Both groups are cold-blooded vertebrate animals, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. This is why you'll often find amphibians and reptiles basking in the sun or hiding in the shade to stay cool.

Amphibians and reptiles also live in some of the same habitats, such as wetlands, forests and grasslands. Many amphibians and reptiles play similar roles in their ecosystems, acting as both predators and prey.

Their shared traits are a reminder of their ancient evolutionary link and their importance in maintaining ecological balance.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.