Why are many reptile eggs leathery instead of hard?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why are many reptile eggs leathery instead of hard?

The Big Idea

Bird eggs are hard. But many reptile eggs feel soft and bendy! Why are they leathery?

Soft Shells

Step one: Soft Shells. Many snake and lizard eggs, and some turtle eggs, have shells that feel like soft, bendy leather. They're quite different from a hen's hard egg.

Taking In Water

Step two: Taking In Water. The soft shell lets the egg take in moisture from damp soil and swell as the baby grows. A hard shell would not stretch, but a leathery one can.

Letting Air In

Step three: Letting Air In. The shell also lets tiny amounts of air pass through. Soft shells work well when eggs are buried underground in damp places.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Soft and bendy. Soaked up. Passes through. Underground.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A new leathery egg is often a bit dented, but it plumps up as it takes in water. Leathery shells can stretch. Many leathery eggs are buried. Air passes through the shell.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Gently squeeze a small water balloon over a sink. Then squeeze a hard plastic egg. Which one bends like a leathery egg? Which one is like a hard shell? Dry your hands when you finish.

Outro

Many snake, lizard, and some turtle eggs have soft, leathery shells. The shell takes in moisture from damp soil and stretches as the baby grows, and it lets air pass through, which works well for buried eggs. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? Every question is a new adventure, so keep wondering and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!