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Class Amphibia

Includes caecilians, salamanders, frogs, and toads, newts

More than 5,400 species

Live in moist habitatsTransition from WATER to LAND

Many species are greatly threatened

What about their habitat?

Found on every continent except Antarctica

Typically near waterReproduction

Eggs without shell

A threatened groupPopulation crashes and mass extinctions

Causes?

Starting on the outside. . .

SKINEctothermsProtection and respiration

Mucous - lubricates and protects from predators

Indicator of ecosystem health

Frog Legs Anyone?

Powerful hind legsStrong bones and musclesAble to leap many times their body length

4 legs - tetrapods

Frog Senses

SIGHTEyes work equally well in and out of water

Nictitating Membrane SOUND

Tympanic Membrane

Order Anura“without a tail”

Frogs and ToadsLive in a variety of habitatsMost frogs spend part of lives in waterLarvae - tadpolesToads typically have rough bumpy skin

Order Urodela“visible tail”

SalamandersElongated bodies, long tails, 2 prs of legsMost are found in N and S AmericaSmooth moist skinLungless salamanders - largest group

Gills, lungs, both, or none

Order Apoda“no legs”

CaecilianLegless amphibiansMost are found in tropical areasRarely seen - little known about behavior

Nearly blind