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The smallest amphibian (and vertebrate) in the world is a frog from New Guinea (Paedophryne amauensis) with a length of just 7.7 mm (0.30 in). The largest living amphibian is the 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) South China giant salamander ( Andrias sligoi ), but this is dwarfed by prehistoric temnospondyls such as Mastodonsaurus which could reach up to 6 m ...
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).
The origin of the order name Anura—and its original spelling Anoures—is the Ancient Greek alpha privative prefix ἀν-(an-from ἀ-before a vowel) 'without', [6] and οὐρά (ourá) 'animal tail'. [7] meaning "tailless". It refers to the tailless character of these amphibians. [8] [9] [10] The origins of the word frog are uncertain and ...
Frogs are a diverse and largely carnivorous group of short-bodied, tailless amphibians composing the order Anura (Ancient Greek an-, without + oura, tail). The oldest fossil "proto-frog" appeared in the early Triassic of Madagascar , but molecular clock dating suggests their origins may extend further back to the Permian , 265 million years ago.
A few species deposit eggs on land or bypass the tadpole stage. Adult frogs generally have a carnivorous diet consisting of small invertebrates, but omnivorous species exist and a few feed on plant matter. Frog skin has a rich microbiome which is important to their health. Frogs are extremely efficient at converting what they eat into body mass.
Researchers studying similar small-sized “flea toads” found this species to be particularly interesting due to its diminutive size as one of the smallest known vertebrate animals.
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 ...
A paratype specimen of Brachycephalus dacnis specimen on a human fingertip A relative comparison of some of the smallest frogs. The smallest vertebrate (and smallest amphibian) known is Brachycephalus pulex, a Brazilian flea toad, with a minimum adult snout–vent length of 6.45 millimetres (0.254 in). [41]