Magnified 50 times

Depending on their size the horny skins of reptiles are folded into small, granular scales or larger platelike scales that either overlap or simply touch each other side by side. The surface of a reptile's scales can either be smooth or decorated with ridges called keels. You may have heard the expression "staying on an even keel." That has nothing to do with this. Keels serve to keep the animal warm, reduce water loss and protect it by covering the body like a suit of armor.

Thanks to the Discovery Channel for this photo

Select a shop and click

Read about this book
and others like it

Bring them home safe