one of the classes of animals with backbones includes shakes,turtles,lizards and crocodiles. They are called reptiles. some of these animals are found in or near water,but they always breathe by means of lungs. they do not breathe by means of gills at any stage of their life.They hatch from eggs laid on dry land.there are covered by scales or bony plates. also many people say reptiles are dangerous.most are completely harmless,and some are very helpful