Classification of Amphibians Flashcards

Classification of Amphibians Study Notes

• Acanthostega: An early Devonian tetrapod known for well-formed limbs with distinct digits on both forelimbs and hind limbs, indicative of the evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.

• Amphibia: The class that encompasses all amphibians, characterized by their dual life stages, including both aquatic larval and terrestrial adult forms.

• Anura: The order comprising frogs and toads, recognized for their jumping abilities, smooth or bumpy skin, and adaptations to various habitats.

• Apoda: The order that includes caecilians, which are legless and burrowing amphibians, adapted for a subterranean lifestyle.

• Caudata: The order containing salamanders, newts, and mudpuppies, noted for their elongated bodies, tails, and the ability to regenerate lost limbs.

• Chordata: The phylum classifying all amphibians, characterized by the presence of a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, and pharyngeal slits at some stage of development.

• Eusthenopteron: A late Devonian lobe-finned fish exhibiting key limb structures, including an upper arm bone and two forearm bones, marking an important step in vertebrate evolution.

• Ichthyostega: A significant transitional fossil featuring a developed shoulder girdle, robust limb bones, and muscles, showcasing adaptations essential for life on land.

• Tetrapoda: A clade of animals distinguished by four limbs, important in the evolution of vertebrates adapting to terrestrial environments.

• Tiktaalik: A crucial transitional fossil that displays morphological features bridging lobe-finned fish and early tetrapods, highlighting the evolutionary shift towards land-dwelling lifestyles.

• Vertebrata: The subphylum that includes all amphibians, defined by the presence of a backbone and a complex nervous system, facilitating advanced movement and sensory capabilities.