Examples of Amphibians — Reading Comprehension

Imagine creatures that can live in two worlds: water and land! These amazing animals are called amphibians. The word “amphibian” actually means “double life,” which perfectly describes them. Amphibians are a special type of vertebrate, which means they have a backbone, just like you! But unlike mammals or birds, they have smooth, moist skin that helps them breathe. Many amphibians start their lives in water, breathing with gills, and then change to live on land, breathing with lungs. This incredible change is called metamorphosis.

Let's meet some cool amphibians! One of the most famous examples is the frog. Frogs are known for their strong jumping legs and loud croaking sounds. They live in ponds, lakes, and even rainforests. A close cousin to the frog is the toad. Toads usually have drier, bumpier skin and shorter legs. They prefer to live in drier places than frogs, like gardens and forests, but still need water to lay their eggs.

Another fascinating amphibian is the salamander. Salamanders look a bit like lizards, with long bodies and tails. However, salamanders have smooth, moist skin and spend much of their time near water or in damp places. You might find them hiding under logs or leaves. There are many different kinds, from tiny ones to large, colorful ones.

Finally, there are caecilians. These are very unique amphibians that you might not have heard of! They look like large worms or snakes, but they are amphibians. Caecilians live underground in tropical places. They don't have legs, and their eyes are often very small, as they don't need to see much in the dark soil. All these animals show the amazing biodiversity of Earth's ecosystems, proving how many different kinds of life exist!

Interesting Fact: Some frogs can jump more than 20 times their own body length!

Which animal is NOT an amphibian?

What does 'amphibian' mean?

Amphibians are vertebrates.

What is the process called when an amphibian changes from living in water to living on land?

Which amphibian looks like a worm?

Why do toads have drier skin than frogs?

If an animal has a backbone, it is a:

How is a salamander different from a lizard?