Amphibians

Amphibians

What Is an Amphibian? Amphibians lead double lives—one in water and one on land. Many begin life with gills, then develop lungs as they age. They are vertebrate animals that include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts as well as odd, wormlike caecilians (seh-SILL-yuns).

They are cold-blooded, using the environment to regulate their body temperature. Early amphibians were the first animals to leave the sea and venture onto land, forming a crucial link from fish to terrestrial reptiles.

Did you know metamorphosis is when... various animals undergo major changes in their body appearance and structure as they grow. They undergo meta (change) in their morpho (form). For instance, frogs lay eggs which grow into tadpoles, which undergo a dramatic change into froglets and finally grow to be an adult frog.

How long do frogs and toads live? Depending on the species, between 2 to 40 years! The average age for a frog or toad is about 4 to 15 years. Do frogs and toads sleep? Frogs and toads will sit very still with their eyes closed. The assumption is that they are asleep, but it is not clear how long they sleep per day..

Is it true that frogs and toads hibernate in the winter? Yes. During winters the frogs and toads become dormant, hibernating either in the aquatic vegetation of lakes and ponds, under the water, or under leaf litter on the ground

What is the difference between toads and frogs? All toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads. Toads are generally more land- dwelling. They have rougher skin with warty surfaces and they are usually in the family called Bufonidae.

Why do toads have rough skin and frogs have smooth skin? Most toads have special structures that secrete poisonous fluids from their skin. These structures make their skin bumpy. Why are frogs slimy? They have protective skin secretions that ooze out of their body. These secretions keep them moist and help them in other ways.

Why do frogs have such long, sticky tongues? The tongues are long so they can catch their prey such as flying insects. Do toads really give warts? Neither frogs nor toads give you warts.