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Reptiles are cold-blooded, vertebrate animals belonging to the class Reptilia. They are characterized by having scales, laying eggs (with a few exceptions), and being tetrapods, meaning they have four limbs or descendants of four-limbed ancestors. Examples of reptiles include snakes, lizards, crocodiles, alligators, turtles, and tortoises. They can be found in various habitats around the world, including forests, deserts, grasslands, and bodies of water. Reptiles play essential roles in their ecosystems, such as controlling pest populations and serving as both predator and prey. Additionally, many reptile species are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and other human activities.