Text and color photos present an overview of reptiles, describing their typical anatomy, evolution, senses, and reproduction and examining the unique characteristics of particular kinds of reptile such as lizards, snakes, turtles and tortoises, and crocodiles and alligators, also discussing conservation.

Diverse and numerous -- Features of a reptile -- When reptiles ruled -- Skin, scales, and claws -- Reptilian senses -- Colours and camouflage -- On the hunt -- Eggs and young -- Turtles and tortoises -- Lizards galore -- Slithering snakes -- Crocs and gators -- Worm-lizards -- Reptiles of dry lands -- Forest reptiles -- River and swamp reptiles -- Reptiles at sea -- Reptiles in danger -- The animal kingdom.