amphibian adaptations Flashcards
(20 cards)
what ype of respirations do amphibs rely on
skin, lung and sometimes gill respiration
why is amphib skin permeable
for gas exchange and moisture absorption
what organ system do larvae often use for respiration
external gills
which amphibs retain gills as adults
some salamanders (axolotls)
what is cutaneous respiration
breathing through the skin
why do amphibians need moist habitats
their skin dries easily, compromising respiration
what system is used to circulate oxygenated/deoxygenated blood
double loop circulation with 3 chambered heart
what is the lateral line system used for
detecting vibrations in aquatic environments
what toxins are produced by skin glands
alkaloids and peptides
what are toe pads used for
climbing and adhesion in arboreal species
what type of colouration may serve as UV protection or aposematism
bright pigmentation
what gland produces toxins in toads
paratoid gland
what is the function of foot flagging in frogs
visual communication in noisy environments
what influences the presence of skin toxins
diet
what is unique about the golden poison dart frog
is it extremely toxic and can kill humans
what are characteristics of amphibian eggs
gelatinous, non shelled, water dependant
what is direct development in amphibs
hatchlings emerge as minature adults
what is the Gosner staging system
a system for tracking anuran larval development
what adaptation to burrowing tadpoles have
flattened body, specialized mouthparts
how does cannibalism benefit spadefoot toad tadpoles
speeds up development in temporary pools
