Anura is a term that refers to a group of amphibians that lack a tail during their adult stage. It is derived from the Greek words "an," meaning without, and "oura," meaning tail. Anura, also known as frogs and toads, comprises over 7,000 species distributed in diverse habitats across the world, except for extremely cold climates.
Characteristically, anurans have a unique body structure that distinguishes them from other amphibians. They feature a relatively short body, long hind limbs specifically adapted for jumping and swimming, and front limbs adapted for grasping. Most species possess a moist, smooth skin that is highly permeable to water and essential for respiration. Furthermore, anurans have well-developed vocal abilities, producing a variety of sounds for communication and mating purposes.
Throughout their life cycle, anurans undergo a metamorphosis from an aquatic tadpole stage to a terrestrial adult form. Tadpoles are equipped with a tail for swimming, gills for respiration, and lack fully formed limbs. As they develop, they gradually lose their tails, gills are replaced by lungs, and limbs begin to grow.
Ecologically, anurans play important roles in various ecosystems. They serve as both predator and prey, regulating populations of insects, small invertebrates, and other arthropods. Additionally, they contribute to nutrient cycling through their diet and excretion habits. Anurans are also significant indicators of environmental health, with their sensitivity to environmental factors making them valuable subjects for ecological studies and monitoring.
