Understanding What an Amphibian Is
An amphibian is a vertebrate that lives part of its life in water and part on land. Frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts are all members of this group.
Key Traits of Amphibians
Amphibians have moist skin, breathe through lungs and skin, and lay eggs in water or damp environments. Their life cycle usually includes a transformation called metamorphosis.
How Their Life Cycle Works
Most amphibians begin as eggs in water, hatch into larvae like tadpoles, and then develop legs and lungs as they grow into adults that can live on land.
Where Amphibians Live
They are commonly found near ponds, rivers, forests, and wetlands. Moist environments help keep their skin from drying out.
Why Amphibians Matter
Amphibians help control insect populations and serve as indicators of environmental health because their sensitive skin reacts to pollution and climate changes.
Threats to Amphibians
Pollution, habitat loss, disease, and climate shifts are major threats. Many amphibian species are declining worldwide.
The Simple Takeaway
Amphibians are animals that start life in water and later move to land. Their unique life cycle and sensitivity make them vital to ecosystems.