Amphibians Frogs and Such

Frogs, Salamanders, Newts, Toads What makes this a frog??

Let’s draw a frog….. Draw a large oval…

Add two semi circles

Add two circles for eyes, two more for a nose.

Make the frog happy!

Complete the feet:

Frogs’ Body Temperature Like reptiles, amphibians are described as cold-blooded; body temperature varies with the temperature of the environment and is generally much lower than that of birds and mammals. Because they rely on external sources of warmth, amphibians in cool regions hibernate through the winter.

Common Frog

Amphibians are organisms that go through a complete metamorphosis and become another animal They live the first part of their life after hatching as a “fish” with gills swimming in the water Gills take oxygen out of the water and release hydrogen into the water as bubbles and keep the oxygen to use in their blood stream

Gill Inside body Outside body Water (H2O) Oxygen (O) Water (H2O) Hydrogen (H) H H H

Tadpole

They use their tails as food for the rapid growth they go through to become frogs Black tadpoles become toads (brown and rough) Brown tadpoles become frogs (green and smooth) All amphibians must stay close to water for: reproductive purposes to keep their skin moist (frogs) so their mucus glands in the skin will work correctly.

Tadpole’s life cycle lasts about one month during which they develop into a frog that breathes air with lungs instead of oxygen from water. They are a vertebrate and have a nerve cord and a backbone.

External Anatomy Integument system Skin: Moist and has mucus glands. Frogs-green Toads-brown Smooth / bumpy Camouflage with the environment (can change color)

External Anatomy Skeletal and Muscles Hind legs Large in size and have good jumping ability, they have webbed feet for swimming and speed of movement.

External Anatomy Skeletal and Muscles Fore legs Smaller in size and used for balance, they have non webbed feet. Thumb can tell the sex of a mature male frog / toad.

External Anatomy Senses – Nervous system Tympanic membrane Hearing on the side of the head, like our eardrum. Goes to the auditory nerve in the brain. Transfers sound vibrations to sound like the human ear does.

External Anatomy Senses – Nervous system Eye Can see in 195-degree range Has a third eyelid that acts like a goggle to protect the eye from the water. They can see well under water. Nicitating Membrane Can see Black and white and movement and shapes. Eyes sit on top of the head for better vision in the water. (like an alligator)

External Anatomy Respiratory system Nostrils Allows air into the mouth and air sac under the throat for breathing and sounds. They will close due to the pressure under water. Open when above water or on land.

External Anatomy Respiratory / Digestive systems Mouth Opens very widely Have maxillary teeth for chewing food Have Vomerine teeth for holding food while it is being chewed

External Anatomy Respiratory / Digestive systems Tongue folds out from the front, sticky like fly paper on the underside to catch and hold bugs. Very long and fast. Strong muscle.

External Anatomy Air sac is under the tongue where the air passes to make sounds. Eustation tube (inner ear) for balance in swimming Nostril openings where air comes in and goes to the Pharynx for breathing and sounds.

External Anatomy Epiglottis Piece of skin that hangs down to protect food from going into the wrong “pipe” when the frog is breathing.

Quiz 3 External Amphibian (30 points)

1. What is this a picture of and where would you find it in an amphibian? 2._________ 3. ________ 5. Explain what is taking place in this diagram. 4. _____________

6. What is the difference in a frog and a toad? 7. What is the tympanic membrane and what is its function for the amphibian? 8. How is an amphibian like an earthworm? 9. What is it about a frog’s eyes that makes them so great at defense? 10. Name four things about a frog that make it unique from other animals; (when you look at it you know it is a frog and not some other kind of an animal.)