Overview of Amphibians
Amphibians are a class of cold-blooded vertebrates that belong to the phylum Chordata. They are unique because they typically have a dual life, spending part of their lives in water and part on land. Most amphibians undergo a metamorphosis from a larval stage with gills to an adult stage with lungs. They have smooth, moist skin that serves as a secondary respiratory surface.
- Amphibians are cold-blooded vertebrates.
- They spend part of their lives in water and part on land.
- Most undergo metamorphosis from larval to adult stage.
What life stages do most amphibians undergo?
Most amphibians undergo a larval stage with gills and an adult stage with lungs.
What type of skin do amphibians have?
Amphibians have smooth and moist skin.
Amphibian Classification
Amphibians are commonly classified into three main orders: Anura, Urodela, and Apoda. Anura includes frogs and toads, known for their jumping abilities and lack of a tail in adulthood. Urodela comprises salamanders and newts, which retain tails throughout their lives. Apoda consists of caecilians, worm-like amphibians that are limbless and primarily burrow underground. This classification reflects both evolutionary relationships and morphological characteristics.
| Order | Examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Anura | Frogs, Toads | Jumping limbs, no tail in adults |
| Urodela | Salamanders, Newts | Tailed adults, similar larval forms |
| Apoda | Caecilians | Limbless, worm-like, underground burrowers |
What are the main orders of amphibians?
The main orders of amphibians are Anura, Urodela, and Apoda.
Which amphibians belong to the Urodela order?
Salamanders and Newts belong to the Urodela order.