First of all, snakes are vertebrates. A vertebrate is an animal that has a vertebral column, also called the backbone or spine, in its body. Vertebrates have a bony or cartilaginous skeleton and a distinct head with a skull protecting the brain inside. Reptiles are air-breathing vertebrates. They either have four limbs, or, like snakes, are descendants of four-limbed ancestors. Crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, lizards, or snakes are examples of animals we recognize as reptiles. Reptile skin is co