characteristics of amphibians (5)

- etcothermic - strengthened skeleton - larvae use the lateral line - metamorphosis (gills lost) - eggs are aquatic

order anura characteristics (5)

- aquatic reproduction - no scales - water permeable skin - fused head & trunk - large mouth

describe metamorphosis in frogs

amplexus leads to frog spawn - egg - blastula - embryo - tadpole - froglet - frog

what can influence relationship between gosner stage & tadpole length

- availability of food - presence of predators - habitat size (pond tadpole be smaller then lake tadpole)

describe gymnophiona

literal name - naked snake distribution - tropical forests of South America mainly, also Africa, India, Southeast Asia appearance - elongated bodies & limbless example - caecilians

describe urodela

literal name - tail evident distribution - Some entirely aquatic or terrestrial example - salamanders appearance - head, trunk & tail with limbs set to right angle to body. no scales.

literal name of anura

without tail

how are amphibians prepared for life on land/in water

locomotion: swimming & clinging (water) jumping, crawling & climbing (land) respiration: gills (water) skin, mouth & lungs (land) breeding: in warm seasons (in water)