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Characteristics of Amphibians — Reading Comprehension

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This educational content features an engaging reading passage titled "Amphibian Characteristics" for Grade 5 students. It delves into the fascinating world of amphibians, explaining their unique structures and functions that allow them to thrive in both water and on land. Students will learn about key characteristics like their cold-blooded nature, moist skin, and the incredible process of metamorphosis. The passage is designed to align with NGSS Standard LS1.A: Structure and Function, helping students understand how internal and external structures aid in growth, survival, and reproduction. The content includes a reading passage, multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and a glossary, all audio-integrated for an enhanced learning experience. Key terms such as 'vertebrates,' 'gills,' and 'lungs' are clearly defined to support comprehension.

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Characteristics-of-Amphibians — Amphibians live a "double life" on land and in water

What Makes Amphibians Special?
Amphibians are a group of animals that include frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and caecilians. They are different from fish, reptiles, and mammals because of their unique features.

Cold-Blooded Animals
Amphibians are cold-blooded, which means their body temperature changes with the temperature around them. If it’s hot outside, they warm up by sitting in the sun. If it’s cold, they cool down or hide in the shade.

Moist, Smooth Skin
Unlike reptiles or mammals, amphibians have moist, smooth skin without scales, feathers, or fur. Their skin must stay wet because they can absorb water and even oxygen through it. This is why you usually find amphibians near water or in damp places.

Life in Two Worlds
The word “amphibian” means “double life.” Most amphibians start their lives in water and breathe with gills, like fish. As they grow, they go through a process called metamorphosis. This is when their bodies change a lot—they lose their gills and grow lungs so they can breathe air and live on land. Amphibians are like nature’s transformers: they start as swimming water babies and turn into hopping or crawling land animals!

Eggs and Life Cycle
Amphibians lay soft, jelly-like eggs in water or moist environments. Their eggs don’t have hard shells like bird or reptile eggs, so they need to stay wet to survive.

Groups of Amphibians
There are three main groups of amphibians: 1. Frogs and toads—they lose their tails as adults and are great jumpers. 2. Salamanders and newts—they keep their tails and walk with short legs. 3. Caecilians—they look like worms or snakes, have no legs, and live mostly underground.

Breathing and Habitats
Young amphibians breathe through gills, but adults use both lungs and their moist skin to breathe. This is why their skin must stay wet! They live in places with water or dampness, like streams, ponds, forests, or rainforests.

Importance of Amphibians
Amphibians eat lots of insects, helping people and other animals. They are also important food for other animals. Scientists call them indicator species because their health can show if the environment is clean or polluted.

Interesting Fact: Some frogs can freeze solid in winter and thaw out alive in spring! Some salamanders can grow back lost legs or tails.

What does 'amphibian' mean?

Double lifeCold waterBig tailForest animal

How do adult amphibians breathe?

Only with lungsOnly with gillsWith lungs and skinOnly with skin

Where do amphibians lay eggs?

In water or damp placesIn dry sandOn tree branchesInside burrows

Why must amphibian skin stay moist?

For jumpingTo absorb oxygenFor camouflageTo grow claws

What happens during metamorphosis?

Eggs hatch into adultsThey change from gills to lungsAdults grow tailsThey eat their eggs

Why are amphibians important to nature?