Salamanders of North America

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts related to salamanders, their habitats, life cycles, and taxonomy in North America.

Red Salamander

A type of salamander commonly found in North America.

Spotted Salamander

A species of salamander recognized by its distinctive spots.

Marbled Salamander

A species known for its marbled coloration.

Blue-Spotted Salamander

A salamander species known for its blue spots.

Green Salamander

A species of salamander with a greenish hue.

Tiger Salamander

A large, robust salamander with yellow or white spots.

Giant Pacific Salamander

The largest salamander species belonging to the genus Dicamptodon.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Vernal Pools

Seasonal wetlands that are critical for breeding in many salamander species.

Egg-laying

A reproductive method in which organisms lay eggs.

Paedomorphosis

The retention of juvenile characteristics in adult life.

Direct Development

A form of development in which the offspring hatch as mini adults without a free-living larval stage.

Lungless Salamanders

A group of salamanders that lack lungs and respire through their skin.

Lateral Line Stimulus

A sensory system used by amphibians, including salamanders, to detect movement and vibration.

Taxonomy

The science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms.

Caudata

The order of amphibians that includes salamanders.

Amphibia

The class of cold-blooded vertebrates that includes amphibians.

Terrestrial Habitats

Land-based habitats where some salamanders live.

Aquatic Habitats

Water-based habitats where many salamanders grow and breed.