Types Of Amphibians — Reading Comprehension

Imagine a creature that can live in water and on land! These amazing animals are called amphibians. The word “amphibian” means “double life,” because they spend parts of their lives in different places. Most amphibians start their lives in water as eggs and then as larvae, breathing with gills, like fish. As they grow, they go through a big change called metamorphosis. Their bodies transform so they can breathe air and live on land, usually near water. Amphibians are cold-blooded, which means their body temperature changes with the temperature around them. They love places that are warm and moist.

There are three main types of amphibians. The first type you probably know well are frogs and toads. Frogs have smooth, wet skin and long legs for jumping. Toads have drier, bumpy skin and shorter legs. Both are found in many habitats, like ponds, swamps, and even rainforests, where they help control insect populations.

Next, we have salamanders and newts. These amphibians look a bit like lizards, but their skin is smooth and moist. They have long tails and four short legs. Many salamanders live under logs or rocks near streams and forests, staying hidden from predators. They are important parts of their ecosystems, eating small insects and worms.

The third type is the least known: caecilians. These are very unique! Caecilians are legless amphibians that look like large worms or snakes. They live mostly underground or in muddy water, especially in tropical places. Their bodies are smooth, and they have tiny eyes, often hidden beneath their skin. Caecilians are amazing burrowers, helping to aerate the soil.

All these different amphibians, whether jumping frogs, slithering salamanders, or hidden caecilians, are important for our planet's biodiversity. They show us how many different kinds of life exist on Earth.

Interesting Fact: Some frogs, like the Wood Frog, can freeze solid during winter and then thaw out and come back to life in the spring!

What does the word 'amphibian' mean?

How many main types of amphibians are mentioned?

What is 'metamorphosis' for amphibians?

How do caecilians mainly live?

Which amphibian looks like a lizard but has smooth skin?

Why are amphibians important for biodiversity?

Amphibians are warm-blooded animals.

Which option is an example of an amphibian habitat?