What makes amphibians what they are?
Amphibians are a class of cold-blooded vertebrates made up of frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and caecilians (wormlike animals with poorly developed eyes).
According to A to Z website, a “checklist” of the class “amphibian” goes like this :
- External egg fertilization. When it comes to reproduction, amphibians don’t require mating before they release clear eggs with a jelly-like texture. Instead, their eggs are fertilized after. During metamorphosis, amphibians develop fair beyond this state.
- Grows 4 legs as an adult. While there are a few exceptions, the majority of amphibians have four legs. Scientists believe that their evolution from the lobe-finned fish is likely why they still require a wet environment.
- Cold-blooded. Like reptiles and fish, the amphibian is cold-blooded, which means that it matches its internal temperature to the temperatures around it. In doing so, these animals prevent their environment from damaging their body. Find out all the differences that separate amphibians vs. reptiles here!
- Carnivorous appetite. The average frog or salamander may not indulge in large game, but every amphibian is a carnivore. Anything that they can swallow will become their dinner if it is small enough. Some species of toads will even eat mice.
- Primitive lungs. Due to the evolution that occurs with every amphibian during metamorphosis, their lungs change as well. They must function as gills while the animal is still underwater, but they allow the animal to breathe through the skin directly as adults.
- Lives on water and land. When amphibians are born, they will start their life in the water. However, their natural evolution leads them to live primarily on land. Whether in water or on land, these animals must have a moist environment.
- Vertebrates. Every single amphibian, regardless of its small beginnings, has a backbone. This backbone begins as cartilage, changing as the rest of the organs go through a metamorphosis as well.
Some amphibian groups
* image from Clipart-Library
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