Anuras refers to a group of animals belonging to the order Anura, which are commonly known as frogs and toads. It is derived from the Greek words "an" meaning without, and "oura" meaning tail, which aptly describes the distinct characteristic of these animals, as they lack a tail as adults.
Anuras are cold-blooded vertebrates in the class Amphibia. They are characterized by having long, hind limbs adapted for jumping and swimming, while their forelimbs are generally shorter and used for crawling or grasping. Additionally, they possess powerful muscles in their hind legs, enabling them to leap great distances or vertically in pursuit of prey or to evade predators.
These amphibians typically have moist, permeable skin that aids in gas exchange, as they utilize cutaneous respiration, allowing them to breathe through their skin. Anuras undergo metamorphosis, starting their life cycle as aquatic larvae, commonly known as tadpoles, before transitioning into terrestrial adults. The tadpoles possess gills for underwater respiration, which are eventually replaced by lungs or lungs-like structures as they develop into adults.
The order Anura has a wide range of species found in different habitats worldwide, varying in size, coloration, and behavior. They play significant roles in various ecosystems as both predators and prey, contributing to the balance of nature. Some species of Anuras have important ecological functions, such as controlling insect populations, aiding in seed dispersal, and serving as indicators of environmental health.
In summary, Anuras are a diverse group of tailless amphibians that encompass frogs and toads. They possess unique characteristics, life cycle, and ecological roles, making them an important and intriguing group of organisms in the animal kingdom.
