Amphibians Ch. 17 C

Intro “amphibian” comes from a Greek word

meaning “double life”• Many amphibians start their lives in water and

end up on land Amphibians are ectothermic creatures Some have tails, others do not Some will go through hibernation

(inactive during cold months) and estivation (inactive through hot, dry months)

Metamorphosis Amphibians are the only vertebrate

organisms to go through metamorphosis or a COMPLETE body change!

This amazing process of going from a tadpole to an adult in a very short time is solid evidence against evolutionary theory and testimony to God’s creative nature!

MetamorphosisTADPOLE ADULT

Young amphibians will have:• A tail that will be used

for movement and nutrition

• Gills• 2- chambered heart• No limbs• Vegetarian diet• Live in the water

Adult amphibians will have:• Either no tail or a lizard

like tail• Lungs • 3 – chambered heart• 4 limbs• Protein/animal diet• Live primarily on land

Tailed Amphibians Examples of amphibians with tails as

adults are salamanders and newts Some could have gills their whole

lives or develop lungs Other Features

• Many colors• Distasteful chemicals• Slimy mucous • Many found in Appalachian Region of US

Tailless AmphibiansFROGS TOADS

Smooth, moist skin Live in or near water

Rough, dry, bumpy skin May live far from water

Features:• Frogs and toads lay their eggs near water and are fertilized

externally• They will eat

• Insects, worms, slugs, snails, and other small animals• They use their short, thick flexible tongue to snag their prey• They have maxillary and vomerine teeth to secure prey • They swallow by blinking their huge bulging eyes, forcing the

food back down the esophagus