What are the distinct characteristics of reptiles ?

Reptiles include lizards, snakes, crocodiles, alligators,

tortoises and turtles. There are about 5000 species of these cold blooded creatures.
Unlike the amphibians who resort to water to lay their eggs and pass through a fish like larval stage, the reptiles lay their eggs on land. The young ones which hatch out of the eggs are miniature replicas of their parents.
Reptiles breathe with the help of lungs. Their skin is covered with dry scales. Most reptiles have two pairs of limbs which do not fully support the body from the ground. They therefore sprawl and wriggle along the ground using their tails as well as their limbs for movement. Their toes are clawed.
Reptiles are found in seas, rivers, lakes, ponds and on land. They are carnivorous animals and feed on fish, birds, frogs, small mammals and sometimes even man.