Class: Amphibia

Amphibians are ectothermic (cold-blooded) vertebrates which are adapted to life both in and out of the water, but require wet places. Amphibians have smooth skin, as opposed to the scales of reptiles. Most adult amphibians also have lungs, and most amphibians also have limbs. Whereas reptiles have eggs with shells (so that they can survive on land), amphibians have soft eggs which are laid in the water.

Amphibians are divided into three groups: Frogs and toads, salamanders (including newts), and legless amphibians.

National Aquarium in Baltimore

USFWS

Dr. Thomas and Margaret Orr © California Academy of Sciences.
The California Slender Salamander, a legless amphibian.