The Masters of Life Between Water and Earth
Amphibians, a fascinating group of vertebrate animals, are true survivors that move between the aquatic and terrestrial world. Composed of toads, frogs, tree frogs, salamanders and caecilians, this group plays a crucial role in ecosystems and is highlighted in studies on evolution and adaptation.
Unique Features
They have thin, moist, permeable skin, which makes them highly dependent on moist environments to survive. This special skin not only protects, but also allows cutaneous respiration, complementing lung respiration. During the larval stage, they generally breathe through gills and live exclusively in water, while adults migrate to dry land, adapting with lungs and strong legs to jump or swim.
Ecological Importance
These animals are important environmental indicators. Because they are sensitive to changes in the environment, their presence (or absence) warns about the health of ecosystems. Additionally, amphibians control insect populations, including agricultural pests and disease carriers such as mosquitoes.
Survival Challenges
Amphibians face serious threats such as deforestation, pollution, climate change and fungal diseases such as chytridiomycosis.
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