Amphibia
Definition
Amphibia are a class of vertebrates that include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. They are characterized by their ability to live both in water and on land during different stages of their life cycle.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Amphibians typically undergo metamorphosis from a larval stage (tadpole) to an adult form.
- They have moist, permeable skin which is vital for their respiration alongside their lungs.
- Most amphibians are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature.
- They play crucial roles in ecosystems as both predators and prey and can be indicators of environmental health due to their sensitivity to pollutants.
- Amphibians usually require water bodies for reproduction as their eggs lack a hard protective shell.
Review Questions
- What characteristic allows amphibians to live both on land and in water?
- How do amphibians typically breathe aside from using lungs?
- Why are amphibians considered indicators of environmental health?
"Amphibia" appears in:
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Related terms
Metamorphosis: The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.
Ectothermic: Organisms that regulate their body temperature largely through exchange with the external environment.
Vertebrates: Animals that possess a backbone or spinal column.
