Amphibians Class Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are the three orders of Class Amphibia? Give an example of each.

Caudata (salamanders and newts), Gymnophiona (caecilians), Anura (frogs)

What were the 8 MAIN characteristics of Class Amphibia?

Living a double life, 2. Tetrapods - 4 legs, 3. Restricted to moist habitat, 4. Oviparous (no amniotic eggs with shells), 5. Skin with mucoid secretions, 6. Lack epidermal scales, feathers, or hair, 7. Larvae are aquatic and undergo metamorphosis, 8. Two atrial chambers in the heart

What keeps an amphibian's egg from being dried out by the sun?

The fluid in the sac keeps the embryo moist.

In which order is almost half of the species found in North America?

Order Caudata Signup and view all the answers

What are characteristics of Order Caudata?

<ol> <li>Means 'tail + to bear', 2. Possess a tail throughout life, 3. 2 pairs of unspecialized legs, 4. Most terrestrial salamanders live in moist forest-floor habitats, 5. Larvae are aquatic, 6. Newts spend most of their lives in water and frequently retain caudal fins, 7. Internal fertilization, 8. Oviparous with external gills and tail fin in larvae.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'amphibian trick' for keeping eggs protected?

The Northwestern Salamanders produce large clumps of jellied eggs that absorb water to swell, increasing size and providing some protection. Signup and view all the answers

In what kind of habitat do amphibians live?

Moist Signup and view all the answers

What are characteristics of Order Anura?

<ol> <li>Means 'without + tail', 2. Live in moist environments (few in deserts), 3. Hindlimbs are long and muscular with webbed feet, 4. External fertilization, 5. Eggs and larvae aquatic, 6. Toads are anurans with dry and warty skin and are more terrestrial than frogs.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are characteristics of Order Gymnophiona?

<ol> <li>Means 'naked + like a snake', 2. Live in tropical regions, 3. Wormlike burrowers, 4. Caecilians appear segmented due to folds in skin, 5. Skin covers their eyes; near blind, 6. Retractile tentacle between their eyes and nostrils to help compensate for poor eyesight, 7. Internal fertilization, 8. Both oviparous and viviparous.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Gymnophiona are near blind because their skin covers their eyes.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the species classified in Order Gymnophiona?

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Why do Gymnophiona appear segmented like a worm?

Due to folds in their skin. Signup and view all the answers

What other worm-like quality do Gymnophiona have?

Retractile tentacle between their eyes and nostrils to help compensate for poor eyesight. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of amphibians' skin?

A) Gas exchange, B) Temperature regulation, C) Absorption and storage of water, D) Protects against infection, E) Protects against UV light, F) Protects against injury Signup and view all the answers

What does amphibian skin lack?

A covering (scales, feathers, or hair) Signup and view all the answers

What factors determine what amphibians eat?

Prey size and prey availability. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how amphibians catch their prey.

When prey comes within range, an amphibian lunges forward and flicks out its tongue, holding the prey against its teeth while pushing it towards the esophagus. Signup and view all the answers

Why does it cost aquatic organisms MORE energy to breathe than it does terrestrial organisms?

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Study Notes

Classes of Amphibians

Three orders of Class Amphibia are Caudata (salamanders and newts), Gymnophiona (caecilians), and Anura (frogs).

Characteristics of Amphibians

Amphibians exhibit a double life, typically alternating between aquatic larval and terrestrial adult stages.
They are tetrapods, possessing four limbs.
They require moist habitats due to their skin's permeability.
Amphibians are oviparous, laying eggs without amniotic shells.
Their skin secretes mucus to maintain moisture, lacking scales, feathers, or hair.
Larvae are exclusively aquatic and undergo metamorphosis to become terrestrial adults.
Their cardiovascular system consists of two atrial chambers in the heart.

Reproductive Adaptations

Amphibian eggs are protected by a fluid-filled sac to prevent desiccation, as they lack amniotic eggs found in reptiles and birds.
Northwestern Salamanders use a unique strategy by laying jelly-like egg masses in water, which swell significantly when hydrated, providing warmth and protection from predators.

Habitat and Lifestyle

Amphibians predominantly inhabit moist environments, as their skin requires constant moisture.

Order-Specific Characteristics

Caudata

Caudata translates to "tail bearer," and members retain tails throughout their lives.
They possess two pairs of unspecialized legs.
Most terrestrial species prefer moist forest floor habitats.
Larval stages are aquatic, while some adults, like newts, remain in water for most of their lives.
Internal fertilization is observed in this order.

Anura

Anura means "without a tail," characterizing adult frogs and toads.
They primarily inhabit moist locations, with a few species adapting to deserts.
Anurans are recognized by their long, muscular hindlimbs and webbed feet, aiding in jumping and swimming.
Fertilization is external, and larvae develop in aquatic environments.
Toads are recognized as anuran species with dry, warty skin; they tend to be more terrestrial than frogs.

Gymnophiona

Gymnophiona translates to "naked snake," indicating their worm-like appearance.
They primarily live in tropical environments and are burrowers.
Their skin gives a segmented appearance, due to folds, and they are nearly blind as their eyes are covered by skin.
They possess a retractile tentacle, aiding in sensory perception due to poor eyesight.
Fertilization can be both internal; these creatures can be oviparous or viviparous.

Feeding and Predation

Skin functions include gas exchange, temperature regulation, water absorption, protection from infections, UV light, and physical injuries.
Amphibian skin lacks protective coverings such as scales, feathers, or hair.
Feeding is influenced by prey size and availability, with larvae being herbivorous and adults typically carnivorous.
Prey capture involves lunging, using a sticky tongue to immobilize prey against the mouth, and swallowing relies on eye movement to aid in pushing food towards the esophagus.

Energy Costs in Respiration

Breathing in aquatic organisms demands more energy compared to their terrestrial counterparts, although the exact reasons were not specified.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of amphibians, focusing on their three main orders: Caudata, Gymnophiona, and Anura. This quiz covers their unique characteristics, life cycle, and reproductive adaptations that allow them to thrive in diverse habitats. Test your knowledge on the essential features and ecological significance of these remarkable creatures.