General Characteristics of Amphibians:
- Ectothermic (Cold-blooded): Amphibians' body temperature is regulated by the external environment, and they depend on external heat sources to maintain their metabolism and activity levels.
- Metamorphosis: Most amphibians go through a metamorphosis process, where they start as aquatic larvae (tadpoles) that breathe with gills and transition into terrestrial adults that can breathe with lungs.
- Amphibious Lifestyle: Amphibians are adapted to live both on land and in water, with the ability to move between these environments as part of their life cycle and habitat preferences.
Examples of Amphibians:
- Frogs: Frogs are the most well-known and diverse group of amphibians. They typically have webbed feet for swimming and moist, smooth skin that aids in respiration. Frogs inhabit various habitats, including ponds, rivers, and even trees.
- Toads: Toads are closely related to frogs but are generally stockier and have dry, bumpy skin. They prefer terrestrial environments and are found in a wide range of habitats, from forests to grasslands.
- Salamanders: Salamanders are lizard-like amphibians with long, slender bodies and smooth, moist skin. They are primarily terrestrial but can be found near bodies of water for reproduction. Some salamanders retain their aquatic larval features, like external gills, throughout their adult lives.
- Newts: Newts are similar to salamanders but are typically more aquatic and have smooth, glossy skin. They can be found in ponds, lakes, and streams, where they spend much of their time swimming.
Amphibians play crucial roles in ecosystems as predators, prey, and indicators of environmental health. Their sensitivity to environmental changes makes them important indicators of pollution and habitat degradation. Unfortunately, many amphibian species are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and other human-related factors, making their conservation and preservation essential.