Tissue constituents of reptiles in relation to their mode of life—I. Water content

Abstract

1. 1. The water content of tissues of Crocodilus niloticus, Tropidonotus tessellatus, Coluber florulentus, Chalcides ocellatus, Varanus griseus and Testudo leithii was determined. 2. 2. The water content of the examined reptiles varies according to the environment in which the animals live. 3. 3. While aquatic reptiles possess tissues with the highest water content, desert reptiles possess tissues with the least amount of water. Semi-desert reptiles possess intermediate values of water content of tissues. 4. 4. Crocodiles are similar to amphibians as regards their water content.