Amphibians are a fascinating group of animals that bridge aquatic and terrestrial worlds. They are found in many different places around the globe, from rainforests to ponds, and are a key part of many ecosystems.
What Makes Amphibians Special?
Amphibians possess several unique features, primarily their skin. Their smooth, moist skin lacks scales and allows them to absorb both water and oxygen directly from their surroundings, enabling them to breathe through their skin as well as lungs. Glands in their skin produce a slimy fluid called mucus, which helps prevent them from drying out.
Because their skin is permeable, amphibians must stay in moist environments to avoid losing too much water. This explains why they are often found near ponds, lakes, or damp forests. Their skin also makes them sensitive to environmental changes, as it readily absorbs substances from the air and water around them.
The Amazing Amphibian Life Cycle
Amphibians are known for undergoing a remarkable transformation called metamorphosis. This life cycle begins when a female lays soft, jelly-like eggs, usually in water. These eggs hatch into a larval stage, known as tadpoles in frogs and toads, or larvae in salamanders.
During this aquatic stage, young amphibians have tails and breathe using gills, much like fish. As they grow, gills are gradually replaced by lungs, and legs start to develop, allowing them to move onto land. The tail may also shorten or disappear entirely as they mature into their adult form.
Meet Some Amphibian Friends
The amphibian group includes familiar animals like frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. Frogs generally have smooth, moist skin and long, powerful legs for jumping and swimming. Toads, on the other hand, often have drier, bumpier skin and shorter legs, suited for walking or hopping.
Salamanders typically have long bodies with tails and four legs, often resembling lizards. Newts are a type of salamander that often spend more time in the water, and some can have rougher skin. As adults, most amphibians are carnivores, meaning they eat other animals. Their diet primarily consists of insects, worms, slugs, and spiders. However, the young, such as tadpoles, usually eat plants and algae found in their watery homes.