Each vertebra, in higher vertebrates, consists of a ventral body, or centrum, surmounted by a Y-shaped neural arch. Yes, of course, reptiles do have a skeleton. Reptiles do not rely on external means to control the temperature as amphibians do. Each of the vertebrae of the backbone is joined with a pair of ribs, one on each side forming the rib cage. Amphibians usually have four legs. All Mammals Have Bones Including A Backbone. They also need water for reproduction. Scales rather than smooth moist skin like amphibians cover their outer layer. The skeletal system of the reptiles includes the skull bones, whole backbone, ribs and sternum, pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle, forelimb and hindlimb bones, and many other tertiary bones. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cervical curve disappears in humans when the head is bent forward but appears in other animals as the head is raised. For example, if you see, heavy-bodied reptiles tend to have more compact bones that the light-bodied species. They show internal fertilization and the fertilized eggs are laid on land which look very large and are covered with a leathery shell. Birds dont, either. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Instead, they have an exoskeleton which is a hard outer covering that protects their body. All mammals including the humans have backbone and other bones to support the human body. Yes. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Amphibians have smooth moist skin. 6903 Great View Drive NorthMemphis, TN 38134. reptile, any member of the class Reptilia, the group of air-breathing vertebrates that have internal fertilization, amniotic development, and epidermal scales covering part or all of their body. Above all reptiles are vertebrates and so they do have a bony endoskeleton with a vertebral column which is also known as the spine or backbone with ribs attached to it. Everything You Should Know. endstream endobj 323 0 obj <>/Metadata 19 0 R/Outlines 48 0 R/Pages 320 0 R/StructTreeRoot 81 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 324 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 612 792]/Parent 320 0 R/Resources<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI]>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 325 0 obj <>stream Many people mistakenly believe that the only difference between reptiles and amphibians is their ability to live on land or in water. Another thing is that the skeletal system broadly varies. Animals can be classed as either invertebrates (animals with no backbone) or vertebrates (animals with a backbone). A sea turtle's head, tail, and flippers are covered with scales, as well as the rest of its body. Outward appearance may also change depending on environmental factors such as availability to water source and time of year. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'onlyzoology_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');On the other case, if you see, all turtles have eight cervical vertebrae. A small snake like the 10 cm long thread snake has about 200 vertebrae and the same number of pairs of ribs, for about 600 bones. The numbers of vertebrae in each region and in total vary with the species. Another example is that the aquatic species tend to have heavier bones than their terrestrial counterparts. Both actually have hollow bones, but although the major bones of the tetrapods (the amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) have a hollow core, in birds the walls of the bone are very thin and the hollow spaces inside are much greater compared with other tetrapods. Are amphibians vertebrates or invertebrates? Amphibians must rely on external means to control their body temperatures. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Such features, either useless or poorly suited to performing specific tasks, are described as vestigial. The major things that separate a snake skeleton from any other mammal or reptile are their number of vertebrae and ribs, their flexible spines, and their lack of almost any other skeletal structure. Do reptiles have endoskeletons or exoskeletons? The centrums are separated by cartilaginous intervertebral disks, which help cushion shock in locomotion. It is only a myth is that snakes have only cartilage and no bones. They have backbones, from which they derive their name. Do Reptiles Have Backbones Yes Or No? Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? What type of skeletons do amphibians have? They have a backbone because they all are vertebrate animals. Do snakes have a heart? Yes, all reptiles do have a backbone. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-leader-4-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'onlyzoology_com-leader-4','ezslot_14',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-leader-4-0');Reptiles have 15 to hundreds of ribs attached to each of the vertebrae of the backbone, almost the whole way from the neck to down their body, to protect the internal organs. Birds from chickadees to Sandhill Cranes have hollow bones. This opening can be found at the end of a snakes belly and beginning of its tail; unsurprisingly, the feces are the same width as the snakes body. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. They can swallow their food items much bigger than their own head and even bigger than their whole body. Snakes have the greatest number, all very similar in type. The octopus is an invertebrate, meaning that it does not have a backbone. Quite loudly in fact. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. In quadrupeds the column is curved in a single arc (the highest portion occurring at the middle of the back), which functions somewhat like a bow spring in locomotion. What is unique about the reptile skeleton? The endoskeleton is the internal skeleton such as the bones that make much of the whole skeletal system of the reptiles. Explanation: They all have 10 bones in the skull and jaw, but the number of ribs and vertebrae vary widely. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-leader-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'onlyzoology_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-leader-2-0');In young rapidly growing reptiles often there are many more vascular channels in the bone than in the bone-forming mature skeletons. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. There are three main groups of amphibians, and of these, two are found in Blue Sky. All thanks to the flexible backbone. The lumbar curve is a permanent characteristic only of humans and their bipedal forebears, though a temporary lumbar curve appears in other primates in the sitting position. The difference between reptiles and amphibians can be confusing because some kinds of snakes reproduce by laying eggs while others give birth to live young! Guide for Beginners, Are Turtles Reptiles? A buffalo is a mammal, so it also has a backbone. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-narrow-sky-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'onlyzoology_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_20',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-narrow-sky-1-0');@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'onlyzoology_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_21',124,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1');.narrow-sky-1-multi-124{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Do snakes have a backbone? Also unlike all other modern amphibians, crocodiles lay exposed nests consisting simply of piles of sand without any coverings such as aquatic plants. For one, crocodiles lack an aquatic larval stage in their development that is a common trait of most amphibian species. Where is the tallest General Electric Building located? @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-leader-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'onlyzoology_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-leader-1-0');So, Do reptiles have a skeleton? What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? What mammal does not have a backbone? Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone. During early embryonic developmentthe endoskeletonis composed of notochord and cartilage. Animals without backbones are called invertebrates. They are cold-blooded, terrestrial, or aquatic air-breathing animals. Reptiles are cold-blooded as well as amphibians. Does diplodocus have three or more sacral vertebrae. These animals are most easily recognized by their dry, scaly skin. In some reptile species, some bones may be present, and in others, some of the bones may be absent. Most animals have a backbone that is made of bones joined together to form a skeleton. Some snakes also have tails that enable them to hold onto branches or vines of trees to assist them in climbing trees. What is the word that goes with a public officer of a town or township responsible for keeping the peace? Gila Monster vs. Mexican Beaded Lizard: Whats the Difference? One of the main differences between reptiles and amphibians is that they live in different habitats. In very simple words, an exoskeleton is an exterior hard covering which is not made of bones and that covers an animals entire body, giving it support and protection. Crocodilians and lizards, birds, and mammals demonstrate five regions: (1) cervical, in the neck, (2) thoracic, in the chest, which articulates with the ribs, (3) lumbar, in the lower back, more robust than the other vertebrae, (4) sacral, often fused to form a sacrum, which articulates with the pelvic girdle, (5) caudal, in the tail. are invertebrates that do not have a column. Amphibian eggs develop either on land or in water depending upon species. Reptiles have a three-chambered heart. !QDvR}w!kx.OacqUbxWGFNG#:)~LKb!gMF# +W4$b!a8r!F4v-lOpF'y:A`q NHpszAp6i]y.HIO6YnCR|pSe.KhdFp All the birds, the fishes and the furry mammals also have backbones. Because reptiles lay their eggs on land, there are specific environmental conditions that must be met, or else offspring will die before hatching (moisture levels need to remain consistent, etc.). Many reptiles can live on land and reproduce in dry regions. Do eels have backbones? They have a backbone because they all are vertebrate animals. Thenumber of cervical vertebrae in snakes remains unresolved with some authors identifying just two (atlas and axis) vertebrae, others identify three, other investigators claim seven or eight, and yet other authors claim as many as 18 cervicals. Reptiles are a class of vertebrates, meaning they have backbones. Keep reading to get them answered! You may consider having a tank . The purpose of the backbone is to protect the spinal cord. Their skeletal bones act as levers, provide protection, and in some cases form bony armor. However, there is often overlap between the groups with some species being able to switch back and forth from aquatic habitats to terrestrial ones. Do amphibians have scales made of keratin? A backbone can also be called a spine, spinal column, or vertebral column. So, it is clear to you that not all reptiles have the same skeleton system. Abstract. Reptiles also have chains of bony elements from the tail to the head. The most important function of the backbone in reptiles is the protection of the spinal cord which is inside the backbone. If you have ever wondered, "Do crabs have a backbone?" then you've come to the right place. Most reptiles have seven mobile cervical vertebrae including a three-part atlas and axis. The exoskeleton is the external skeleton that exists on the outside of the reptiles body. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Can we see pic of female inserting a tampon? Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Here, he has started sharing a lot of things that he has seen, learned, and researched so far related to Zoology.You can read more about here at the About page. Amphibians are cold-blooded creatures. This makes them very sensitive to pollutants or toxins in water sources where they reside because it can quickly build up on their skin and suffocate them. Reptiles are Chordates and so are included in the Phylum Chordata of the Animal Kingdom and so are characterized by the presence of the notochord (a skeletal rod) with a dorsal tubular nerve cord (spinal cord and brain). They developed larger skeletons that could hold larger organs and help them increase in size. What was the date of sameul de champlians marriage? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Amphibians vs. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? These skeletons come in all shapes and sizes, but they also share common features. Amphibians include frogs, toads, and salamanders while reptiles cover a vast array of animal species including lizards, snakes, and turtles. zZ}^4+2VVo0qQgIVMZXYv5^L8=l|;]UbkK5s3AfKO.`CJq6~9#9~S u.=%$\,V;[^^z8#v6p-k0-K @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'onlyzoology_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');They have 2 pairs of limbs (forelimb and hindlimb) with five digits in each of the limbs. The vertebral column is characterized by a variable number of curves. Most reptiles, such as turtles and lizards, have backbones, while some, such as snakes and amphibians, do not. A vertebrate is a group of animals with a spinal column. The backbone is located at the mid-dorsal side of the body, and gives the body of the reptile the flexibility and the support. How Do Reptiles Move? A frog is an amphibian, so it has a backbone. However, all amphibian babies hatch from eggs in an aquatic environment before moving onto dry land as adults after metamorphosis (this process is called metamorphosis). ID T%wU0"F8aDr I% Reptiles do not rely on camouflage like amphibians but rather spend most of their time hiding in underground burrows or water-dwelling crevices (hibernation). Whales show several specializationsthe cervical vertebrae may be either much reduced or much increased in number, and the sacrum is missing. Amphibians are vertebrates, meaning they have a backbone. This article was most recently revised and updated by, Facts You Should Know: The Human Body Quiz, https://www.britannica.com/science/vertebral-column, National Center for Biotechnology Information - Vertebral Column, Biology LibreTexts - The Vertebral Column, Cleveland Clinic - Spine Structure and Function. How co2 is dissolve in cold drink and why? Bones are tough and resilient material yet is vulnerable to injury or disease. Differences in cartilage and bone formation and growth exist among small mammals, birds, and reptiles. On the other hand, the reptiles like lizard have pelvic girdle, pectoral girdle, and limb bones. Do All Reptiles Have Backbones? A skink is a reptile, so it has a backbone. Many reptiles, like turtles, enjoy a habitat with water. In humans an additional . How can you tell is a firm is incorporated? The major function of the vertebral column is protection of the spinal cord; it also provides stiffening for the body and attachment for the pectoral and pelvic girdles and many muscles. Yes, all reptiles do have a backbone. Can a reptile be amphibious? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. (Vertebrates have backbones.) Reptile skin is dry but still porous allowing for gas exchange as well as waste removal from the body just as amphibians do. Some reptiles (such as sea turtles) are adapted to living in water, although even these species come onto land to lay their eggs. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In turtles some vertebrae may be fused to the shell (carapace); in birds all but the cervical vertebrae are usually fused into a rigid structure, which lends support in flight. What is the relationship between Commerce and economics? Reptiles have scales on their skin and lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. These skeletons come in all shapes and sizes, but they also share common features. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. How to Clean Reptile Carpet? Which country agreed to give up its claims to the Oregon territory in the Adams-onis treaty? Reptiles lay eggs on dry land or in a nest they build. Your email address will not be published. All reptiles are vertebrates. As mentioned earlier, snakes shed their skins periodically throughout development. Amphibians tend to be more vulnerable than other animals because their thin delicate skins make them prey for many predators such as birds and other vertebrates. Just like the other animals, reptiles bones also directly interact with muscles via their tendons and through their combined functions skeletal form having systemic interactions with the environment. They have dry skin covered with scales or bony plates and usually lay soft-shelled eggs. 6 Is the backbone of a turtle a vertebrate? Amphibians and reptiles are also vertebrates: they have backbones. Large pterosaurs needed strong limbs to get off the ground, but thick bones would have made them too heavy. The individual bones that make up a backbone are called vertebrae. Do reptiles have a backbone? The seven species of sea turtles, including the green, hawksbill, loggerhead, olive ridley, Kemp's ridley, leatherback, and flatback sea turtles. But dont worry! Penguins, loons, and puffins dont have any hollow bones. Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish have bony skeletons. Having a belly full of trapped gas is dangerous for a sloth. Amphibians have smooth skin that is permeable to water and covered with mucus whereas reptiles typically have scaly skin made up of a material called keratin that serves as protection against injury or illness by providing an armor-like exterior. Process of transferring data to a storage medium? Octopuses, squid, cuttlefish, and nautiluses make up the cephalopod group (cephalopoda, from the Latin for head-foot). Just like snakes dont have any limb bones, they also do not have pelvic girdle and pectoral girdle. They have tentacles on their heads that they use to sense their surroundings. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Pythons and boa constrictors have tiny hind leg bones buried in muscles toward their tail ends. Another broad reason for reptiles having a backbone is because they are Chordates and belong to the Sub-Phylum Vertebrata and Class Reptilia of the Animal Kingdom. This makes them very sensitive to changes in environmental conditions and easily threatened by changing climates or habitats. Let's talk about the turtle's backbone in . While the skeletal system of a snake is mostly made up of bone, snakes do have cartilage too. Digits are with horny claws. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. Crocodilians are reptiles and not amphibians. Reptiles travel along the ground, up in the trees, through water, and underground very easily and rapidly. Differences between amphibians and reptiles that separate them: The primary difference between amphibians and reptiles lies in their reproductive strategies. Amphibians typically can breathe through their skin, which makes them very sensitive to changes in the environment like pollution or chemicals that are dumped into waterways. They have a backbone because they all are vertebrate animals. In these animals, two temporal fenestrae exist on either side of the skull. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The bony endoskeleton consists of cranium or skull, appendages, and limb girdles. It does not store any personal data. The following are some types of reptiles that do have backbones: The following are some types of reptiles that do not have backbones: In conclusion, whether a reptile has a backbone or not depends on its species. As snakes are so flexible, it may be tempting to think that snakes have no bones. In reptiles with fully diapsid skulls, the upper temporal fenestra is dorsally bordered by the parietal bone, anteriorly by the postorbital bone, and posteriorly by the squamosal bone. An additional function of the backbone is to equally transmit the body weight and the balance while the reptile is moving or when it is in the position of rest. reptiles do have backbones, everything excluding invertebrates Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? They breathe with lungs, but also through their skin and lining of the mouth, that is why they need moist environments to live in. 322 0 obj <> endobj Amphibians range from animals such as salamanders, newts, frogs, caecilians (worm-like limbless creatures), and sirens. Their mouth has jaws with simple conical teeth. All reptiles are. What group do mammals and reptiles in because of their backbone? The caudal vertebrae support the tail part and help in balancing the body perfectly. Answer and Explanation: 1 Become a Study.com member to unlock this answer! Reptiles spend most of their time in the water or laying by a body of it. During the embryonic development stage of the reptile, the exoskeleton develops from the ectoderm layer. It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. Do lizards live in the Amazon rainforest? An animal that has a backbone and skeletal system is called a vertebrate. What is the function of backbone in reptiles? Reptiles are vertebrates, meaning they have a backbone. Insects do not have a backbone or internal skeleton. Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external factors like the sun or their surrounding temperatures for heat and energy. Their skeletons provide support and protection and help them to move. These are all examples of animals found in the animal kingdom. If reptiles overheat, its shell will dry out causing damage to their outer skin layer which can result in death. Amphibians and reptiles are both cold-blooded vertebrates, meaning they have a backbone and internal organ systems. All animals have skeletons of one sort or another. (Related FAQs Answered), Do Hyenas Eat Lions? Reptiles have a backbone. Animals can be classed as either invertebrates (animals with no backbone) or vertebrates (animals with a backbone). Reptile eggs are also unique in that they do not contain water within them like amphibians eggs do that allows embryos to live without being attached to a body of water for development. Get access to this video and our entire Q&A library. Updates? A pterosaurs wing bones were hollow tubes, with walls no thicker than a playing card. Also known as: backbone, spinal column, spine. Do all snakes have bones? hb```~kB aBZ EB bf@@z5RL '1f0Df`!3)l s{@9 g w sr,ff` 205B20 H_[ The exoskeleton is usually hard and rough with spines sometimes that provides support and protects the muscles and soft tissues or organs of the body from the outside. Most lizards have four legs and typically have long tails. Reptiles, mammals, and birds have backbones, but they dont share other amphibian characteristics. Cartilage and bone are the main skeletal tissues in exotic vertebrates and are distinguished by their cells and the extracellular matrices they produce. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Amphibians have a lower metabolic rate than mammals. Dogs, cats, fish? Today, let's learn about animals with backbones! Learn more about: Privacy Policy. vertebral column, also called spinal column, spine, or backbone, in vertebrate animals, the flexible column extending from neck to tail, made of a series of bones, the vertebrae. However, only 5 major groups of animals have backbones. Yes, turtles do have backbones because they have vertebrae. Have more snake skeleton-related questions? This post is written by Ronit Dey. Every species of reptile has a unique number of backbones, depending on how they evolved. If its too hot out or if there isnt enough cover from the sun, they either die or slow down drastically. Do Lions and Hyenas get along? Scales help prevent reptiles from losing water through their skin. Reptiles cant survive in cold climates. There are quite a few things that make snake skeletons so unique. Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone. Reptiles cant survive in very cold temperatures because of this lack of insulation. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Reptiles are a class of vertebrates, meaning they have backbones. Humans have 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused sacral, and 3 to 5 fused caudal vertebrae (together called the coccyx). Lampreys: . Reptiles generally spend their lives on land, while amphibians spend most of their time living in water or at least near a body of water. Amphibians are cold-blooded, meaning their internal body temperature varies with the environments they live in. Amphibians have a backbone and other vertebrae. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'onlyzoology_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-onlyzoology_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); Unlike the amphibians, that have legs on the sides, reptiles have legs that are directed down towards the ground, lifting the body upwards and thus protecting the soft internal organs from getting damaged. Cunto cuesta el telmisartn con hidroclorotiazida en similares? Do Reptiles have a skeleton? %%EOF For this reason, most reptiles have dry scaly skin to protect them from drying out when its hot outside. In fact, they have hundreds - even more than us humans. Lizards are found in many different environments all over the world. The notochord appears in the embryos of all vertebrates in the space later occupied by the vertebral bodiesin some fish it remains throughout life, surrounded by spool-shaped centrums; in other vertebrates it is lost in the developed animal. Lizard Not Moving But Breathing: What to Do? What are advantages of reptile skeletons? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Additionally, the eggs that they lay on land often have tough leathery shells to keep them from drying out. Reptiles are cold-blooded, and so they require a heat source, like a UV light, to regulate body temperature. 7 How many bones does a mammal have in its neck? A large snake like the 7 m long giant python has up to 600 vertebrae, for about 1800 bones in all. is called a vertebra. Praying Mantis vs. Lizard: Whats the Difference? A lizard is a type of reptile with dry, scaly skin. They developed larger skeletons that could hold larger organs and help them increase in size. Therefore, amphibian survival depends upon their ability to escape from danger quickly through camouflage (camouflage) or quick reproduction rates (short life spans). copyright 2003-2023 Homework.Study.com. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. Another broad reason for reptiles having a backbone is because they are Chordates and belong to the Sub-Phylum Vertebrata and Class Reptilia of the Animal Kingdom. Fish have trunk and caudal (tail) vertebrae; in land vertebrates with legs, the vertebral column becomes further subdivided into regions in which the vertebrae have different shapes and functions. Just for instance, some reptiles like the Gila monster uses the tail to store energy during periods when food is scarce.