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The decline in amphibian and reptile populations has led to an awareness of the effects of pesticides on reptiles and amphibians. [176] In the past, the argument that amphibians or reptiles were more susceptible to any chemical contamination than any land aquatic vertebrate was not supported by research until recently. [ 176 ]
Amphibians are ectothermic, anamniotic, four-limbed vertebrate animals that constitute the class Amphibia. In its broadest sense, it is a paraphyletic group encompassing all tetrapods excluding the amniotes (tetrapods with an amniotic membrane , such as modern reptiles , birds and mammals ).
Reptiles, from Nouveau Larousse Illustré, 1897–1904, notice the inclusion of amphibians (below the crocodiles). In the 13th century, the category of reptile was recognized in Europe as consisting of a miscellany of egg-laying creatures, including "snakes, various fantastic monsters, lizards, assorted amphibians, and worms", as recorded by Beauvais in his Mirror of Nature. [7]
The temnospondyl Eryops had sturdy limbs to support its body on land Red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas) with limbs and feet specialised for climbing Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus), a primitive salamander The bright colours of the common reed frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus) are typical of a toxic species Wallace's flying frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus) can parachute to ...
In amphibians there are salvary glands on the tongue, which in frogs produce what is called a two-phase viscoelastic fluid. When exposed to pressure, like when the tongue is wrapping around a prey, it becomes runny and covers the prey's body. As the pressure drops, it returns to a thick and elastic state, which gives the tongue an extra grip. [75]
There are over 6700 species of amphibians [9] and over 9000 species of reptiles. [10] Despite its modern taxonomic irrelevance, the term has persisted, particularly in the names of herpetology, the scientific study of non-avian reptiles and amphibians, and herpetoculture , the captive care and breeding of reptiles and amphibians.
Rana (derived from Latin rana, meaning 'frog') is a genus of frogs commonly known as the Holarctic true frogs, pond frogs or brown frogs.Members of this genus are found through much of Eurasia and western North America.
X-ray showing the skeleton of Typhlonectes (Typhlonectidae). Caecilians' anatomy is highly adapted for a burrowing lifestyle. In a couple of species belonging to the primitive genus Ichthyophis vestigial traces of limbs have been found, and in Typhlonectes compressicauda the presence of limb buds has been observed during embryonic development, remnants in an otherwise completely limbless body. [7]