CLASS: Reptilia  

Diagnosis: Vertebrate animals that reproduce internally, embryos are contained in an amnion, do not undergo a larval stage, breath by means of lungs, and have a diapsid skull or its derivative (anapsid). There are twelve pair of cranial nerves. At least some part of the body is covered with scales. The urinary and reproductive tracts empty into a common exit area, the cloaca. 

The traditional groups of reptiles have included Squamata (lizards & snakes), Chelonia (turtles), Rhynchocephalia (tuatara), and Archosaurs (crocodilians and the extinct dinosaurs). However, a preponderance of evidence supports placing the birds ("Class" Aves) within the Dinosauria. Consequently, birds are reptiles, though herpetology and ornithology remain distinct fields of research.  This is not so far-fetched as it sounds: there are numerous anatomical, behavioral and reproductive similarities (for example, all archosaurs lay eggs).

Literature:  Click on book to order a copy.

Cogger, Harold. 1995. Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. 5th edition. Ralph Curtis Books. ISBN: 0-8014-2739-8.

Cogger, Harold and Richard Zweifel (editors). Encyclopedia of Reptiles & Amphibians 2nd edition. Academic Press, San Diego.

Ehmann, Harald. 1992. Encyclopedia of Australian animals: Reptiles. Angus & Robertson. ISBN: 0-207-17379-6.

Greer, Allen. 1989. The biology & evolution of Australian lizards. Surrey Beatty & Sons. ISBN: 0-949324-21-3.

Hoser, Raymond. 1989. Australian reptiles & frogs. Pierson & Co. ISBN: 0-947068-08-2.

Sprackland, Robert. 1992. Giant Lizards. TFH Publications. ISBN: 0-86622-634-6.

Storr, Glenn, L. Smith and R. Johnstone. 1983. Lizards of Western Australia II: Dragons and Monitors. Western Australian Museum. ISBN: 0-7244-9482-0.