Ch. 17 C

amphibian  “amphibian” comes from a Greek word meaning “double life” Many amphibians start their lives in water and end up on land  Amphibians are ectothermic creatures  Some have tails, others do not hibernation estivation  Some will go through hibernation (inactive during cold months) and estivation (inactive through hot, dry months)

metamorphosis  Amphibians are the only vertebrate organisms to go through metamorphosis or a COMPLETE body change!  This amazing process of going from a tadpole to an adult in a very short time is solid evidence against evolutionary theory and testimony to God’s creative nature!

TADPOLEADULT  Young amphibians will have: A tail that will be used for movement and nutrition Gills 2- chambered heart No limbs Vegetarian diet Live in the water  Adult amphibians will have: Either no tail or a lizard like tail Lungs 3 – chambered heart 4 limbs Protein/animal diet Live primarily on land

 Examples of amphibians with tails as adults are salamanders and newts  Some could have gills their whole lives or develop lungs  Other Features Many colors Distasteful chemicals Slimy mucous Many found in Appalachian Region of US

FROGSTOADS  Smooth, moist skin  Live in or near water  Rough, dry, bumpy skin  May live far from water Features: Frogs and toads lay their eggs near water and are fertilized externally They will eat Insects, worms, slugs, snails, and other small animals They use their short, thick flexible tongue to snag their prey maxillary vomerine They have maxillary and vomerine teeth to secure prey They swallow by blinking their huge bulging eyes, forcing the food back down the esophagus