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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
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