Amphibians Body Parts and Habitat

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Questions and Answers

What do the words 'amphi' and 'bios' mean in the term 'amphibians'?

Half-life and air

Land and sea

Water and earth

Double life (correct)

Why do amphibians need a specific living condition?

Because they need to live in groups

Because they are small vertebrates

Because they are cold-blooded

Because they have very thin skin (correct)

What happens to amphibians when their habitats are disturbed or contaminated?

They adapt to the new environment

They are the first to die off (correct)

They become more aggressive

They start to migrate to a new habitat

What is a common consequence of amphibians' habitats being disturbed or contaminated?

Many species become extinct Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about amphibians' skin?

It's very thin Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of amphibians, similar to reptiles?

They are cold-blooded Signup and view all the answers

Where can amphibians typically be found?

Forests, woodlots, meadows, and bodies of water Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the front limbs of Anuras?

They are elongated and modified for jumping Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Caecilians?

They are venomous and secrete mucus Signup and view all the answers

How do Anuras move?

By leaping, using complex pectoral and pelvic girdles Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of the excretory, digestive, and reproductive systems of amphibians?

They all connect to the cloaca Signup and view all the answers

How do aquatic salamanders move?

By swimming with lateral undulation of the trunk and tail Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Caudata?

They have smooth skin with poison glands Signup and view all the answers

How do Caecilians move?

By moving their bodies in a concertina motion Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the mucus secreted by mucous glands in amphibians?

To keep the skin moist Signup and view all the answers

How do most amphibians absorb additional oxygen?

Through their skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the sense organs in amphibians?

To interact with their environment Signup and view all the answers

How do salamanders and caecilians typically reproduce?

Through internal fertilization Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the way some frogs reproduce?

They can reproduce without water Signup and view all the answers

How do most frogs communicate with each other during mating?

Through mating calls Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the phallodeum in caecilians?

To facilitate internal fertilization Signup and view all the answers

How many chambers does the heart of an amphibian have?

Three chambers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

About Amphibians

Amphibians are small vertebrates that need water or a moist environment to survive.
They are cold-blooded and breathe and absorb water through their very thin skin.
The species in this group include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts.

Body Parts

Amphibians have four limbs, with the front limbs being elongated and modified for jumping.
Their head and trunk are fused together, and they have a tail that is present only in the larval stage.
They have a smooth skin with poison glands.

Reproductive System

Amphibians reproduce through sexual reproduction.
Fertilization in frogs is generally external, while in salamanders and caecilians it is internal.
Some frogs lay their eggs in the wild and do not require a water medium to breed and lay their eggs.
Salamanders and caecilians use internal fertilization, and the males emit an odor, display colors and postures to attract females.

Habitat

Amphibians can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes, swamps, vernal ponds, and farmlands.
They require very specific living conditions, and too much sun can damage their cells, while too much wind can dry their skin and dehydrate the animal.

Class of Amphibians

There are three classes of amphibians: Anuras, Caudata, and Caecilians.
Anuras include around 3400 species, and have four limbs, with the front limbs being elongated and modified for jumping.
Caudata have a tail, elongated body, and four equally sized limbs, and are found under leaf litter, in the soil, or in water.
Caecilians are also known as "blind-worms" and have venom glands, secreting mucus to reduce water loss.

Mobility

Anuras have a leaping movement that requires complex pectoral and pelvic girdles, and they also have structures that allow them to climb trees.
Caudata have a generalized mode of locomotion, walking and moving their limbs in a standard diagonal-sequence gait of quadrupeds.
Caecilians move using concertina locomotion, where the body alternately folds and extends itself along its entire length.

Organ System

Amphibians have digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems that share a body cavity called cloaca.
They have a complex circulatory system with a three-chambered heart.
They also have a nervous system that allows them to interact with each other and their environment.
Amphibians have sense organs to smell and taste chemicals, and other sense organs include eyes and ears.

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Description

Learn about the body cells, eating habits, and reproduction of amphibians, as well as their unique habitats and characteristics.