Amphibians

Let’s learn about:

Amphibians

• The word amphibian means “living two lives”

• Fill in the blanks:• Most amphibians live part of their lives in _______ and part

of their lives on _______.

ANSWER:

• Most amphibians live part of their lives in water and part of their lives on land.

• GOOD WORK!!!

Amphibian Characteristics

• Live part of lives in water and part on land

• Vertebrates – they have backbones• Cold blooded – their body temperature

changes with the air temperature• Lay eggs in water• Do NOT have scales (like reptiles do)• Go through a process called

Metamorphosis • Carnivores

Metamorphosis

• Definition:–The series of changes that some animals go through as they develop from eggs to larvae to adults.–Amphibians go through metamorphosis.

Metamorphosis

Types of Amphibians

Caecilians• Legless• Live underground• Live in warm tropical areas• Look at lot like worms• Have powerful jaws and mouths lined

with teeth• Eat insects, worms, frogs and lizards• Can be big (up to 5 ft.) or small (less

than 5 in.)

Caecilians

Salamanders & Newts

• Look like lizards – 4 legs, long tails• Newts are a certain species of salamander• Most salamanders live adult lives on land• Most newts live adult lives in water• Range in size (1/2 inch to 154 pounds)• Eat insects, worms, fish, frogs, birds and other

salamanders• Like moist environments— must keep skin wet all the time

Salamanders & Newts

Frogs and Toads

• Tail-less (lose their tails as adults)• Nearly 4,000 species worldwide• Live on land and in water• Eat insects and worms and other animals• Move by swimming and hopping• Communicate with noises; every frog species

has a different noise

Frogs and Toads