Practice question

Reptiles exhibit terrestrial adaptation principally through keratinized dry epidermis covered with overlapping horny scales or scutes composed of beta-keratin forming impermeable barrier minimizing transepidermal water loss offering mechanical protection against abrasion and predation. Epidermis largely aglandular few scent glands, prevents cutaneous respiration shifting gas exchange entirely to well-developed lungs with internal septation. Shelled amniotic eggs with calcareous shell, internal fertilization using hemipenes or single phallus, metanephric kidney excreting uricotelic wastes reduce water dependence, contrasting amphibians with moist glandular skin and cutaneous respiration vulnerability.