What is an amphibian A class of related

What is an amphibian? • A class of related creatures in the phylum Chordata. • The 3 main groups are Frogs/Toads, Salamanders, and Caecilians. • “Amphibian” means Double-Life. Why?

Orders of amphibians

To be in the Amphibian class, you need…. . • • No scales No claws Non-water tight skin Soft, glandular skin Complex life cycle Unshelled Eggs Breathe partly through skin

Amphibians are not Reptiles. Why?

Amphibians are found in temperate and tropical regions where there is moisture.

Anurans vs. Caudata • No tail as an adult • Larva herbivorous • Short, compact body • Have Tail as an adult • Larva carnivorous • Long, slender body

Courtship in Frogs starts with males vocalizing to attract females. Like in humans, the female cannot resist the beautiful sounds of the male.

Courtship then goes to an embrace called Amplexus.

Eggs laid in a moist place or water.

Eggs turn into tadpoles.

Metamorphosis near complete

Salamander Larva

Local Amphibians

California Newt

Tiger Salamander

Monterey Salamander

California Slender Salamander

Arboreal Salamander

Pacific Tree Frog

Bullfrog

Red-legged Frog

Western Toad

Some other California Amphibians

Foothill Yellow-legged Frog

Mountain Yellow-legged Frog

Pacific Giant Salamander

With new skills in DNA analysis, knowledge of species relationships can change.

Ensatina has evolved into many species. How could this have occurred. ?

Amphibians populations across the world are dramatically declining.

Creatures that have been around for 400 million years, surviving what killed the dinosaurs, are being driven to extinction by man.

Some of the reasons for the decline.

Local Amphibian Quiz

Practice your amphibian identification and knowledge with your field guide and notes.

So adios’ amigos!