Reptile Study   11/90



1. Know   approximately  the  number  of  species   and   general

   distribution of reptiles and amphibians in the United States.



2. Make sketches from your won observations, showing markings and

   color patterns of seven reptiles and three amphibians found in

   the United States.  Record the habits and habitats of each  of

   these species.



3. Describe the main differences between

   a. Alligators and crocodiles

   b. Toads and frogs

   c. Salamanders and lizards

   d. Snakes and lizards



4. List  10 reptiles or amphibians useful to man.  Tell how  they

   take in food.  List food habits of each species.  If there are

   laws  in  your state for their protection, tell  why  each  is

   protected.



5. Describe how reptiles and amphibians reproduce themselves.



6. From observation, describe how snakes move forward.   Describe

   the functions of the muscles, ribs, and belly plates.



7. Describe in detail six poisonous snakes and the one  poisonous

   lizard  found  in the United States.  Describe  their  habits.

   Demonstrate first aid treatment for snakebite.



8. Maintain  one  or more reptiles or amphibians for at  least  a

   month.  Record the food accepted, methods employed in  eating,

   changes in coloration, shedding of skins, and general  habits;

   OR  keep the eggs of a reptile from the time of  laying  until

   hatching;  OR keep the eggs of an amphibian from the  time  of

   laying   until   the  transformation  of   the   tadpoles   or

   (salamander) larvae.



9. Do ONE of the following:

   a. Identify at night three kinds of toads or frogs  by  their

      voices.   Imitate  the  song of each  for  your  counselor.

      Stalk  each with a flashlight and discover how  each  sings

      and from where.

   b. Take a recognizable photograph of a live turtle, snake, and

      amphibian.

   c. Give  a  brief talk to a small group  on  the  subject  of

      reptiles and amphibians.  Use three living specimens or  20

      pictures you have collected.



10. Give  10  superstitions about reptiles and amphibians  and  a

   correct explanation in each case.



NOTE: The Scout must use nonpoisonous reptiles only in fulfilling

   requirements 8 and 9.  Some reptiles are protected by  federal

   law.   The same ones or others may be protected by state  law.

   Before  collecting, be sure you know which are on both  lists.

   Be  sure  that  you do not  collect  protected  species.   All

   specimens   should   be  returned  to  the  wild   after   the

   requirements have been met.