Amphibians

Information about Amphibians:

The class Amphibia (from Amphi- meaning “on both sides” and -bios meaning “life”) which includes frogs, salamanders, toads, newts are cold-blooded animals that generally begin life in water with gills, then leave the water to become air breathers.

There are about 6,500 identified species on earth. They are considered ecological indicators, and their presence (or lack thereof) can indicate the health of an environment. Due to climate change and pollution, many species are in steep decline or, like the Golden Toad, have vanished completely. The fossil record indicates amphibians evolved in the Devonian period and were thought to be the apex predators during the Carboniferous and Permian Periods. One reason these animals are so sensitive to changes in their environment is that their skin is permeable, and will soak up chemicals directly through it.