What is the primary method of respiration in reptiles?

Reptiles primarily utilize lungs for respiration, making them highly adapted to terrestrial life. Unlike amphibians, which can absorb oxygen through their skin (skin respiration), reptiles have evolved to rely almost exclusively on lungs to breathe air. Their lungs are more efficient than those of amphibians and are adapted to meet the oxygen demands of their more active lifestyle.

Unlike fish, which use gills to extract oxygen from water, reptiles do not possess gills at any stage of their life cycle. Additionally, while some other creatures, such as insects, utilize a tracheal system for respiration, this method is not applicable to reptiles. The reliance on lungs allows reptiles to inhabit a variety of terrestrial environments, where they can thrive without needing a water source for respiration.