Reptiles and amphibians are collectively known as herptiles. The herptiles is ectothermic which means they cannot regulate their body temperatures. So each animal has adapted to the conditions of the environment in which it lives. In areas where the climate gets real dry, animals such as the hingeback tortoise and some toads will burrow down into the ground and wait, emerging in the next rainy season. In areas where the temperature drops, often accompanied by a decline in food sources, many herptiles have adapted by hibernating.
Amphibians have lungs, but they also breathe through their skin.
Because it takes a lot of skin to support their bodies, they have adapted by staying small so they have less to support. As you can see, there is such a large variety of these fascinating creatures to choose from, that anyone can find a perfect pet. They are very quiet, have virtually no odor, and the space needed to house them varies depending on the pet. It can be an area smaller than a flower pot or as large as a room. You can find a suitable reptile or amphibian for a pet whether you live in a dorm room, an apartment, or in a house.