AmphibiansAmphibians

by Nathan Simonby Nathan Simon

What is an Amphibian?What is an Amphibian?

Amphibians are vertebrates that Amphibians are vertebrates that have incredibly unique have incredibly unique adaptations which allow them to adaptations which allow them to live both on land and in water.live both on land and in water.

They generally live in water as They generally live in water as larvae and take to land when they larvae and take to land when they become adults.become adults.

Survival SkillsSurvival Skills

Amphibians use camouflage, Amphibians use camouflage, poisonous or unpleasant poisonous or unpleasant tasting toxins, and brightly tasting toxins, and brightly colored skin patterns to protect colored skin patterns to protect themselves from predators.themselves from predators.

Form and FunctionForm and Function

Amphibians feed using filters as Amphibians feed using filters as tadpoles, then eat just about anything tadpoles, then eat just about anything they can catch and swallow once they they can catch and swallow once they grow up. grow up.

They develop lungs to replace gills as They develop lungs to replace gills as adults. adults.

Their eyes are protected by moveable Their eyes are protected by moveable nictitating membranes.nictitating membranes.

Amphibians hear using tympanic Amphibians hear using tympanic membranes on either side of their head.membranes on either side of their head.  

Examples of Examples of AmphibiansAmphibians

There are only three known There are only three known groups of amphibians today- groups of amphibians today- salamanders, frogs and toads, and salamanders, frogs and toads, and caecilians. caecilians.

Unfortunately, the amphibian Unfortunately, the amphibian population is declining, and many population is declining, and many species are currently endangered.species are currently endangered.

BibliographyBibliography

"Amphibians, Amphibian Pictures, "Amphibians, Amphibian Pictures, Amphibian Facts - National Geographic." Amphibian Facts - National Geographic." Animals, Animal Pictures, Wild Animal Facts Animals, Animal Pictures, Wild Animal Facts - National Geographic- National Geographic. Web. 31 Mar. 2010. . Web. 31 Mar. 2010. <http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/ani<http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians.html>.mals/amphibians.html>.

Miller, Kenneth R., and Joseph S. Levine. Miller, Kenneth R., and Joseph S. Levine. Prentice Hall BiologyPrentice Hall Biology. Upper Saddle River, . Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 2002. Print.N.J.: Prentice Hall, 2002. Print.

Microsoft Office ClipArtMicrosoft Office ClipArt