Amphibians

What makes an amphibian an amphibian?

Skeleton:

amphibian-2028309_1280

Amphibians have an endoskeleton (meaning an internal skeletal system).

Skin:

northwestern-salamander-1259799_1280Amphibian skin does not have scales and allows fluids to pass through (permeable).  Typically, amphibians have moist, slippery skin.  Some amphibians, like toads, have drier, bumpy skin.  rain-wet-common-toad-2438475_1920

green-tree-frog-1164161_1920Feet:

Amphibians typically have webbed toes and skin covered feet.  (Amphibians do not have claws.)

Breathing:

Most adult amphibians breathe through lungs and/or through their skin.  Breathing through the skin is called cutaneous respiration.  To breathe through their skin, the skin must stay moist/wet.

Early in life, amphibians have gills for breathing.  Most will lose their gills as they become adults, however some will keep their gills throughout their life spans.

Body Temperature:

Amphibians are ectotherms.  This means that their body temperature varies with the temperature of their surroundings.

Eggs and Young:frog eggs.jpg

Amphibians lay eggs.  Amphibian eggs must be laid in or near water to stay moist.