Biology: Characteristics of Amphibians and Mammals

Characteristics of Amphibians

• Cold-blooded (ectothermic)
• Moist, smooth skin
• Lay eggs in water
• Undergo metamorphosis from larval to adult stage
• Breathe through gills and skin
• Examples: frogs, toads, salamanders, newts

Characteristics of Mammals

• Warm-blooded (endothermic)
• Hair or fur on their bodies
• Produce milk for their young
• Give birth to live young (except for platypus and echidna)
• Have mammary glands
• Have three middle ear bones
• Examples: humans, dogs, cats, bears, whales

Amphibian Classification

• Class: Amphibia
• Orders:
  • Anura (frogs and toads)
  • Caudata (salamanders and newts)
  • Gymnophiona (caecilians)

Mammal Classification

• Class: Mammalia
• Subclasses:
  • Prototheria (monotremes: platypus and echidna)
  • Theria (marsupials and placental mammals)
• Orders:
  • Many, including Carnivora (carnivorous mammals), Primates (primates), and Rodentia (rodents)

Characteristics of Amphibians

• Amphibians are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature is regulated by the environment.
• They have moist, smooth skin that helps to prevent water loss.
• Amphibians lay eggs in water, which hatch into larvae that undergo metamorphosis to become adults.
• They breathe through gills and skin, allowing them to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Examples of amphibians include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts.

Characteristics of Mammals

• Mammals are warm-blooded, meaning they can generate heat internally to regulate their body temperature.
• They have hair or fur on their bodies, which helps to insulate and protect them.
• Mammals produce milk to feed their young, and give birth to live young (except for platypus and echidna).
• They have mammary glands, which are specialized organs for milk production.
• Mammals have three middle ear bones, which help to amplify sound.
• Examples of mammals include humans, dogs, cats, bears, and whales.

Classification of Amphibians and Mammals

• Amphibians belong to the class Amphibia, with three main orders: Anura (frogs and toads), Caudata (salamanders and newts), and Gymnophiona (caecilians).
• Mammals belong to the class Mammalia, with two subclasses: Prototheria (monotremes: platypus and echidna) and Theria (marsupials and placental mammals).
• Mammals have many orders, including Carnivora (carnivorous mammals), Primates (primates), and Rodentia (rodents).

Learn about the key characteristics that distinguish amphibians and mammals, including their physical traits, reproduction methods, and more. Test your knowledge of these two animal classes.