Class Amphibia includes over 5,400 species of caecilians, salamanders, frogs, and toads that typically live near water. Many amphibian species are threatened due to habitat loss and other causes. Amphibians have permeable skin that aids respiration and protection, and powerful hind legs that allow them to leap long distances.

2. Class Amphibia

3. Class Amphibia Includes caecilians, salamanders, frogs, and toads, newts More than 5,400 species Live in moist habitats Transition from WATER to LAND Many species are greatly threatened

4. What about their habitat? Found on every continent except Antarctica Typically near water Reproduction Eggs without shell

5. A threatened group Population crashes and mass extinctions Causes?

6. Starting on the outside. . . SKIN Ectotherms Protection and respiration Mucous - lubricates and protects from predators Indicator of ecosystem health

7. Frog Legs Anyone? Powerful hind legs Strong bones and muscles Able to leap many times their body length 4 legs - tetrapods

8. Frog Senses SIGHT Eyes work equally well in and out of water Nictitating Membrane SOUND Tympanic Membrane

9. Order Anura “without a tail” Frogs and Toads Live in a variety of habitats Most frogs spend part of lives in water Larvae - tadpoles Toads typically have rough bumpy skin

10. Order Urodela “visible tail” Salamanders Elongated bodies, long tails, 2 prs of legs Most are found in N and S America Smooth moist skin Lungless salamanders - largest group Gills, lungs, both, or none

11. Order Apoda “no legs” Caecilian Legless amphibians Most are found in tropical areas Rarely seen - little known about behavior Nearly blind