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REPTILE EGGS Most reptiles bury their eggs in the soil. The babies growing inside are protected by the egg’s tough shell. When fully grown, the young reptiles break out of their shells. This is called hatching. SIDEBAR

Reptiles vary a lot in size and shape, but they also have many things in common. For example, all reptiles have scaly skin. Scales are small, hard layers of skin that overlap and cover the body of the reptile. They help protect reptiles from enemies. Many reptiles produce young by laying eggs, but some produce live young.

Snakes are reptiles with long, thin bodies and no legs. This group of reptiles includes cobras, vipers, and boas, such as the emerald boa shown here. 7

Crocodiles are a group of large, fierce reptiles. This group includes alligators, caimans, and gharials (like this one). 7

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