1. Section 2 Characteristics of Amphibians
Chapter 40 Amphibians
Section 2
Characteristics of Amphibians

2. Skin Respiration & protection Moist and permeable to gas and water
Mucous glands- supply lubricant that keeps the skin moist
Skin also provides a foul-tasting secretion which protect frogs

4. Skin Live in moist areas to avoid drying out
If in desert, they burrow to survive drying out
Affected by pollution- chemicals in water can affect amphibians
Can serve as indicators of the health in an ecosystem

5. Skeleton Strong internal skeleton (vertebrate, legs)
Pectoral and pelvic girdles transfer body’s weight to the limbs
In frogs, they have strong bones for jumping and landing

7. Circulatory System Heart is separated into two loops
Pulmonary circulation- carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart
Systemic circulation- carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and back to the heart

9. Circulatory System Three chambered heart
All other terrestrial vertebrates also have a “double loop” circulatory pattern
Allows for faster blood flow

10. Respiration
Larval amphibians respire (exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen) through their gills and skin
Pulmonary respiration- respiration through the lungs
Cutaneous respiration- respiration through the skin

12. Digestive System
Adults- carnivorous- eat insects, mice, snake, birds, other amphibians, etc
Larva- herbivores- eat plants
Pharynx  esophagus  stomach  liver  gallbladder  small intestine  large intestine  cloaca

14. Accessory Glands Liver produces bile- stored in the gallbladder
Bile helps break down fat
Pancreas secretes enzymes that help break down food

15. Nervous System Olfactory lobes- sense of smell
Cerebrum- behavior and learning
Optic lobes- process information from the eyes
Cerebellum- muscular coordination
Medulla Oblongata- organ functions (heart & respiration rate)

17. Sense Organs Sight, smell, hearing
Nictitating membrane- eyes covered by a transparent, movable membrane
Tympanic membrane- eardrum
Columella- small bone that extends between the tympanic membrane and inner ear

18. REVIEW!!!
Identify an advantage and a disadvantage to the permeability of amphibian skin?
Explain how a frog uses positive pressure to move air into and out of its lungs.