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What are the three orders of frogs?
What are the three orders of frogs?
Order Anura, Order Caudata, Order Apoda
Most amphibians have what type of aquatic larval stage?
Most amphibians have what type of aquatic larval stage?
Tadpoles in frogs and larvae in salamanders
What do the larvae of most amphibians rely on for respiration?
What do the larvae of most amphibians rely on for respiration?
Gills
What do the adults rely on for respiration?
What do the adults rely on for respiration?
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Where do most North American salamanders live most of their lives?
Where do most North American salamanders live most of their lives?
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Where do the North American salamanders from the Family Plethodontidae live and how?
Where do the North American salamanders from the Family Plethodontidae live and how?
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How do frogs and salamanders differ?
How do frogs and salamanders differ?
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How do the aquatic larval stages of the frog and salamander differ?
How do the aquatic larval stages of the frog and salamander differ?
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What are the nostrils on the frog called?
What are the nostrils on the frog called?
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What does the circular tympanum represent?
What does the circular tympanum represent?
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What does the short forelimb consist of on the frog?
What does the short forelimb consist of on the frog?
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How many digits does the palm have?
How many digits does the palm have?
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What does the hind limb consist of?
What does the hind limb consist of?
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How can you sex your frog by the size of the thumb?
How can you sex your frog by the size of the thumb?
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What do the Eustachian tube openings in the angle of the jaws lead to?
What do the Eustachian tube openings in the angle of the jaws lead to?
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Where are the maxillary teeth located?
Where are the maxillary teeth located?
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What is the glottis?
What is the glottis?
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Where is the esophagus located?
Where is the esophagus located?
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If your specimen is a female, what will the body be filled with?
If your specimen is a female, what will the body be filled with?
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What kind of digestive systems do amphibians have?
What kind of digestive systems do amphibians have?
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Study Notes
Orders of Amphibians
- Three main orders: Anura (frogs and toads), Caudata (salamanders and newts), and Apoda (caecilians).
- Amphibians display diverse forms adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Larval Stages
- Most amphibians undergo an aquatic larval stage, such as tadpoles in frogs and larvae in salamanders.
- Larvae rely on gills for respiration and possess a strong, broad tail for swimming.
Adult Respiration
- Adults use lungs (for terrestrial and semiaquatic species) or gills (for aquatic species) for respiration.
- Skin plays a significant role, contributing approximately 35% to the respiration process.
Salamanders' Habitats
- Many Eastern North American salamanders live most of their lives in an aquatic state without metamorphosis.
Plethodontidae Family Adaptations
- North American salamanders from the Plethodontidae family do not require aquatic breeding; they undergo direct development within the egg.
- They lack lungs and respire entirely through their skin.
Morphological Differences
- Frogs and salamanders differ in body structure; salamanders have a head, trunk, and tail, whereas frogs have larger hind limbs and no tail.
Differences in Larval Morphology
- Larval salamanders have external gills, legs, and a large mouth, allowing for carnivorous feeding.
- Tadpoles (anuran larvae) have internal gills, no legs until metamorphosis, and a small scraping mouth adapted for herbivorous feeding.
Frog Anatomy
- External nares are the nostrils of frogs, leading to internal nares located inside the mouth.
- The tympanum is the circular structure representing the outer wall of the middle ear, larger in males than females.
Limb Structure
- Frogs have short forelimbs consisting of an upper arm, forearm, wrist, and palm with four digits and a vestigial thumb.
- The hind limb consists of a thigh, shank, ankle, and foot, which has five digits and a rudimentary sixth digit.
Reproductive Adaptations
- Male frogs possess enlarged thumbs, known as nuptial pads, aiding in holding onto females during reproduction.
Ear Pressure Regulation
- Eustachian tubes, opening in the angle of the jaws, equalize air pressure in the ears.
Dental Structure
- Maxillary teeth are located along the rim of the upper jaw, with vomerine teeth situated just behind the midsection of the upper jaw.
Respiratory Structures
- The glottis is a slit that facilitates the passage of air to and from the trachea, connecting to the lungs.
- The esophagus lies dorsal and posterior to the glottis, leading to the stomach.
Reproductive Organs
- In female frogs, the body is often filled with eggs and contains an enlarged ovary.
Digestive System
- Amphibians possess a digestive system common to all chordates, featuring distinct organs and functions.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the amphibian class with these flashcards. Learn about the three orders of frogs and their unique adaptations for life both in water and on land. Perfect for students studying biology or ecology.
