Amphibian Biology and Classification

Vocabulary flashcards covering the terrestrial transition, general characteristics, and orders of class Amphibia (Gymnophiona, Urodela, and Anura).

Occipital condyles

Two bony protrusions located at the base of the skull in amphibians.

Anamniotic egg

An egg that lacks a shell, dries out quickly, and is laid directly in water by many species.

Chromatophores

Pigment cells found in the skin of amphibians.

Buccal pumping

A form of positive pressure ventilation used by amphibians to move air into the lungs.

Cutaneous respiration

Gas exchange and respiration that occurs directly through the skin.

Buccal respiration

Respiration that takes place across the surfaces of the mouth.

Gymnophiona

An amphibian order of limbless, blind organisms specialized for burrowing in tropical forests or aquatic life, possessing dermal scales, sensory tentacles, and internal fertilization.

Phallodeum

The intermittent organ used for internal fertilization in the order Gymnophiona.

Direct development

A reproductive and developmental pattern exhibited by Gymnophiona where young develop directly without an aquatic larval phase.

Urodela

An amphibian order distributed in northern areas, characterized by well-developed tails, blinkable eyes, limbs set at right angles, and carnivorous habits in both larvae and adults.

Spermatheca

A internal structure where female Urodela store the spermatophore received during internal fertilization.

Hedonic glands

Specialized glands in Urodela that release pheromones used during complex courtship behaviors.

Anura

An amphibian order characterized by the absence of a tail, four well-developed limbs, blinkable eyes, vocal ability, and external fertilization.

Urostyle

A skeletal structure composed of fused caudal vertebrae found in the order Anura.

Amplexus

The mating behavior in Anura in which the male clasps the female on the dorsum during external fertilization.

Nictitating membrane

A protective eye membrane found on the blinkable eyes of order Anura.

Tympanic membrane

An external ear component found in amphibians of the order Anura.