CLASS AMPHIBIA Meaning and
Definition
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Class Amphibia is a taxonomic group comprising a diverse group of vertebrates that encompasses frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. It is one of the five extant classes of vertebrates, alongside Classes Mammalia, Reptilia, Aves, and Actinopterygii (bony fish). The name "Amphibia" is derived from the Greek word "amphibios," meaning "both kinds of life," referring to their ability to live in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Members of Class Amphibia are characterized by several distinctive features. Firstly, they possess a unique life cycle that involves metamorphosis, starting from an aquatic larval stage (tadpole) and progressing into a semi-terrestrial or fully terrestrial adult stage. Additionally, amphibians generally have moist, glandular skin that enhances respiration through cutaneous gas exchange. This permeable skin also makes them susceptible to desiccation, limiting their distribution to wet habitats or areas with high humidity.
Amphibians typically reproduce through external fertilization, whereby females lay eggs that are fertilized by males outside of their bodies. The majority of species are oviparous, while some give birth to live young and are considered viviparous.
Ecologically, amphibians play important roles as both predators and prey, contributing to the overall balance of ecosystems. They also serve as bioindicators of environmental health, as they are highly sensitive to changes in water quality and habitat degradation.
Despite their ecological significance, amphibian populations worldwide are facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and the emergence of infectious diseases. Consequently, many species are in decline or at risk of extinction, making conservation efforts for these fascinating creatures of paramount importance.
Common Misspellings for CLASS AMPHIBIA
- xlass amphibia
- vlass amphibia
- flass amphibia
- dlass amphibia
- ckass amphibia
- cpass amphibia
- coass amphibia
- clzss amphibia
- clsss amphibia
- clwss amphibia
- clqss amphibia
- claas amphibia
- clazs amphibia
- claxs amphibia
- clads amphibia
- claes amphibia
- claws amphibia
- clasa amphibia
- clasz amphibia
Etymology of CLASS AMPHIBIA
The word "Amphibia" is derived from the Greek words "amphi" meaning "double" or "both" and "bios" meaning "life". The term was coined by the famous Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus, in the 18th century when he classified living organisms into different groups based on their shared characteristics. "Amphibia" was used to describe a group of animals that are capable of living both in water and on land, highlighting their dual life cycle. Thus, the word "Class Amphibia" refers to the taxonomic category that includes animals like frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians, which can adapt to both aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
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