Question

how amphibians have adapted their morphology and physiology to terrestrial, fossorial, arboreal or freshwater aquatic ecosystems? Provide specific examples from the three extant orders of amphibians (Anura, Urodela and Gymnophiona). (350 words) no plagiarism

Answer 1

Amphibians maintain an  intermediate life between terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.They have moist and permeable skin for cutaneous respiration as well as lungs for survival on lands.They also have webbed four feet for swimming purposes as well as short hinds limbs for furrowing in fossorial amphibians. In terrestrial amphibians hind limbs are long to help in covering longer distances whike jumping and help in catching prey.Absence of tail is seen in adult amphibians.Most Amphibians have flat disc like tympanic membrane that prevents water from entering ear canal during swimming.Eyes are positioned on top to provide wide angle vision.Mouth is generally large for catching and eating large prey.

Frogs are the examples of Anura that has moist skin for cutaneous respiration and also lungs.Long hind limbs and short forelimbs are present.

Bolitoglossa is the example of Urodela having webbed fourfeet for aquatic ecosystem and long legs for climbing purposes.They respire through gills as well as moist skin.

Caecilians are are the example of Gymnophiona known to have strong skull and pointed snout for burrowing purposes.