AMPHIBIAN Meaning and
Definition
-
Amphibians are a diverse group of vertebrate animals that belong to the taxonomic class Amphibia. They typically have a semi-aquatic lifestyle, meaning they are capable of living both in water and on land. Amphibians are characterized by several distinct features that set them apart from other animals. One of their most notable traits is their unique life cycle, which involves a metamorphosis from an aquatic larval stage, such as a tadpole, to a terrestrial adult form, usually with the ability to breathe through lungs.
Amphibians possess smooth, moist skin that plays a vital role in respiration as it can absorb oxygen directly from the environment. This feature, combined with their ability to live in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, distinguishes them from other vertebrates. Furthermore, amphibians lack scales and possess weak, clawed toes that aid in their locomotion.
There are three main groups of amphibians: frogs and toads, salamanders and newts, and caecilians. Frogs and toads are the most recognizable group and are known for their powerful hind legs, which enable them to jump long distances. Salamanders and newts, on the other hand, have slender bodies and long tails. Caecilians, the least familiar group, resemble large earthworms and dwell mostly underground.
Amphibians play a crucial ecological role as indicators of environmental health. Due to their sensitivity to changes in their surrounding habitats, they are considered important bioindicators. Unfortunately, many amphibian species are now facing significant declines in populations and even extinction, largely due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and diseases.
Top Common Misspellings for AMPHIBIAN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for AMPHIBIAN
Etymology of AMPHIBIAN
The word "amphibian" comes from the Greek term "amphibia", meaning "both kinds of life". It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "amphi" meaning "both" or "double", and "bios" meaning "life". The term refers to the ability of amphibians to live both on land and in water, distinguishing them from other organisms.
Similar spelling words for AMPHIBIAN
- amphiprion,
- amphibrach,
- amphibole,
- amphibolite,
- amphiboly,
- amphibolips,
- amphibia,
- amphibious,
- amphibology,
- amphipoda,
- amphibiotic.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
