Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians The Hall of Reptiles and
Amphibians explores the anatomy, defense, locomotion,
distribution, reproduction, and feeding habits of reptiles and
amphibians. Amphibians were the first vertebrates to live on
land and are the group from which mammals and reptiles,
including birds, evolved. A great range of these animals’
physical forms is on view, from the tiny Cuban frog to the
goliath frog and the Japanese giant salamander, the Galápagos
giant tortoise to the powerful crocodile, accompanied by
explanations of the widely diverse ways in which they move,
protect themselves, chase prey, and reproduce. Exhibits include
the leatherback sea turtle laying eggs in its nest, the
Australian frilled lizard raising its frill of skin to
exaggerate its size to a predator, and the endangered Komodo
dragon stretching its jaws across the belly of a wild boar.
Although now bred in captivity, the Komodo dragons’ continued
existence in the wild depends on the maintenance of their native
habitat. Also