* Gas exchange: Lungless salamanders rely entirely on their skin for gas exchange. Oxygen diffuses through their moist skin into their bloodstream, and carbon dioxide diffuses out. If the skin dries out, this gas exchange process becomes significantly impaired or stops altogether.
* Water loss: The moist skin of lungless salamanders is crucial for regulating their water balance. If the skin dries out, they lose water rapidly through evaporation, leading to dehydration.
* Mucus: The skin of lungless salamanders is covered in a thin layer of mucus, which helps keep it moist. This mucus also helps protect the salamander from parasites and bacteria. When the skin dries out, the mucus layer is disrupted, making the salamander more vulnerable to infection.
In short, the moist skin of a lungless salamander is essential for its survival. Without it, the salamander cannot breathe, cannot regulate its water balance, and becomes more susceptible to infection.