Questions and Answers
What is the amphibian family tree most closely related to?
Frogs
When did the first known salamanders appear?
Middle Jurassic, 170 million years ago
What is the oldest known salamander fossil?
Kokartus honorarius
How many extant families of salamanders exist?
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Which family of salamanders is the most species rich?
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What is a key feature of the Ambystomatidae family?
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Where do the majority of Ambystoma species live?
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Salamandridae includes only species native to North America.
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What is the distinguishing characteristic of rough-skinned newts?
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What is an example of a conservation issue affecting giant salamanders?
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What does paedomorphosis mean?
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What is the habitat of the olm species?
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Which of the following is a family of salamanders that includes giants?
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The largest salamander is the Chinese Giant Salamander, reaching up to ______ meters.
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Study Notes
Salamander Classification Overview
- Salamanders are most closely related to frogs and have many extinct evolutionary lines.
Evolutionary History
- First known salamanders date back to the middle Jurassic, approximately 170 million years ago.
- This group likely predates this time frame, indicating a longer evolutionary history.
Fossil Salamanders
- Kokartus honorarius, found in Kyrgyzstan, is the oldest known salamander fossil.
- It displays both similarities and differences to modern salamanders, mainly resembling Cryptobranchidae.
Extant Families
- There are 10 living salamander families with over 650 species distributed across all continents except Antarctica.
Phylogenetic Relationships
- Cryptobranchidae (hellbenders) represent some of the most ancient lineages among salamanders.
- Plethodontidae signifies one of the most recently evolved families within the order.
Family Plethodontidae
- The most species-rich family, consisting of over 400 species.
- Characterized by being lungless and occupying a range of environments: aquatic, terrestrial, and arboreal, mostly found in the Western Hemisphere.
Features of Plethodontidae
- Notable for their lunglessness, slender bodies, and small legs.
- A majority of plethodon species inhabit Western North Carolina (WNC).
Ambystomatidae Family
- Commonly known as mole salamanders, this family includes one genus, Ambystoma, with 32 species.
- Exclusive to North America, particularly the U.S. and Mexico.
Features of Ambystomatidae
- Recognized by costal grooves and stout bodies with thick legs suitable for burrowing.
- Some members possess less permeable skin, allowing habitation in arid regions.
Notable Species in Ambystomatidae
- Tiger Salamander primarily resides in the Western United States and Mexico, adapting to arid locales.
- Breeding migrations occur in mass for some species to temporary vernal pools.
Salamandridae Family
- Includes both newts and some salamanders, found in North America, Asia, Europe, and North Africa, totaling 74 species across 20 genera.
Distinct Features of Salamandridae
- Lacks costal grooves and has rough skin; many exhibit bright coloration, which serves as a warning for toxicity.
- Rough-skinned newts possess extreme toxicity, capable of causing fatality even in small amounts.
Cryptobranchidae Family
- Known for giant salamanders, this family has two genera and three species, with all species being fully aquatic.
- Hellbenders are the largest salamanders in North America, reaching up to 74 cm.
Major Species in Cryptobranchidae
- The Japanese Giant Salamander can grow as large as 1.5 meters.
- The Chinese Giant Salamander is the largest, measuring up to 1.8 meters, and is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and overhunting.
Conservation Issues
- Giant salamanders face threats from damming, eutrophication, hunting, hybridization, and disease.
Proteidae Family
- Comprises mudpuppies, water dogs, and olms; fully aquatic throughout all life stages with 5 species in North America and 1 in Europe.
- Display paedomorphosis, retaining juvenile traits into adulthood, such as external gills.
Distinguishing Features of Proteidae
- Characterized by a large body, flat head, prominent external gills, and lack of eyelids.
Mudpuppies and Waterdogs
- Proteidae's mudpuppies and waterdogs inhabit large rivers in North America.
Olm (Proteus anguinus)
- Found in central and southeastern Europe; notable for being blind and long-lived.
Evolution of Proteidae
- Adults have lungs that play a negligible role in respiration, emphasizing aquatic adaptations.
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Description
Explore the fascinating classification of salamanders with these flashcards. Learn about their family tree, evolutionary history, and fossil evidence. Perfect for students of biology or anyone interested in amphibian studies.
