Amphibians: What They Are, Features and Examples

Amphibians

Amphibians live a double life: most begin in water as larvae with gills, such as tadpoles, and change into air-breathing adults that live on land. Their skin is thin, moist and without scales, and they can take in oxygen through it. Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders are amphibians. Because their skin soaks up whatever is in the water, they suffer quickly from pollution.

How to recognise an amphibian

Moist skin without scales
Cold-blooded
Most lay soft eggs in water
Young usually have gills and change form as they grow (metamorphosis)

Amphibians on this site

AxolotlAmphibian
Common toadAmphibian
Fire salamanderAmphibian
Indian bullfrogAmphibian

Sorted by scientific order

Within the group, scientists place animals in orders. Animals in one order share a common ancestor.

Caudata: axolotl, fire salamander
Anura: common toad, Indian bullfrog

What they eat

Carnivores: axolotl, fire salamander, Indian bullfrog
Insectivores: common toad

Other groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, invertebrates.