The word "batrachian" is commonly misspelled due to its unusual pronunciation. The correct spelling follows the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription /bəˈtrækiən/. The "b" is pronounced like the letter "b," followed by the "a" sound as in "cat." The "t-r-a-c-h" sounds like the word "track" with an "r" added. The "i" is pronounced like "ih" as in "sit," followed by "a" like in "cat," and the "n" sounds like the letter "n." Batrachians are a type of amphibian that includes frogs and toads.
Batrachian, also known as amphibian, is a term used in the field of biology to describe a class of vertebrate animals that are characterized by their ability to live both on land and in water throughout different stages of their life cycle. This class, known scientifically as Batrachia or Amphibia, includes animals such as frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts.
The term "batrachian" is derived from the Greek word "batrachos," which means frog or toad, reflecting the prominent presence of these species within the class. These animals have a unique anatomy that facilitates their dual lifestyle. Key traits of batrachians include moist permeable skin, which allows them to breathe through their skin in addition to their lungs, and the absence of scales or claws, which distinguishes them from reptiles.
Batrachians usually lay eggs in water, which hatch into aquatic larvae, commonly known as tadpoles. These larvae undergo metamorphosis, transforming into adult forms that are adapted to life on land. Despite living in both terrestrial and aquatic environments, batrachians typically require access to water for reproduction, as the eggs and early stages of development occur in an aquatic habitat.
Due to their dual lifestyle and unique adaptations, batrachians play crucial ecological roles. They contribute to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by controlling insect populations, serving as a food source for larger predators, and acting as indicators of environmental health.
• Of or relating to the frog tribe.
• One of the frog tribe.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "batrachian" comes from the Greek word "batrakhos", which means "frog". In Greek mythology, Bathrakhos was a creature with a frog-like appearance, and the term "batrachian" was eventually adopted into English to refer to anything associated with frogs or resembling their characteristics.