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).