What is an amphibian — Reading Comprehension

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This audio-integrated reading passage, "The Life of Amphibians," is designed for 4th-grade students to explore the fascinating world of amphibians. It aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by teaching students about the biological evolution of animals that live both on land and in water. The passage explains key concepts such as the life cycle of amphibians, defining terms like metamorphosis, tadpole, and cold-blooded. Students will learn how amphibians have evolved to live a "double life," starting in water and moving to land. The passage also touches upon their importance in the ecosystem and their role as indicators of environmental health. With a clear and simple tone, this resource helps young learners understand how physical traits and behaviors of organisms are shaped by their environment.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Amphibians are a special group of animals that can live both on land and in the water. The word amphibian comes from a Greek word that means “double life,” which is a perfect name for them! They are also cold-blooded, which means their body temperature changes with the temperature of the air or water around them. This is why you often find them in damp or wet places. Frogs, toads, and salamanders are all examples of amphibians.

The life of an amphibian starts in the water. Most amphibians lay their eggs in water, and when the eggs hatch, a larva, called a tadpole, emerges. Tadpoles look very different from their parents. They have gills for breathing underwater, much like a fish, and they have a tail for swimming. As the tadpole grows, it begins a process called metamorphosis. This is a big change! During metamorphosis, the tadpole's body changes. It grows legs and its gills disappear as lungs grow, allowing it to breathe air. Its tail also shortens and eventually disappears.

Once metamorphosis is complete, the amphibian is ready to live on land, but it still needs to stay close to water to keep its skin moist. Amphibians have smooth, moist skin that helps them absorb water and even breathe! This special skin also makes them very sensitive to pollution in the environment.

Amphibians have been around for a very long time. The earliest known amphibian fossils are over 360 million years old! They were some of the first animals to move from water to land. They play an important role in the environment by helping to control insect populations.
Fun fact: The Chinese giant salamander is the largest living amphibian and can grow to be almost six feet long!

What does the word "amphibian" mean?

to live a double lifeto live in waterto live on landto live in a forest

What is an amphibian's larva called?

a tadpolea frogleta pupaa salamander

What happens to the gills during metamorphosis?

They grow larger to help with breathingThey are used to help absorb waterThey disappear as lungs start to growThey turn into webbed feet

Why do amphibians need to stay close to water?

to find foodto stay moistto hide from predatorsto lay their eggs

How do amphibians help the environment?

They eat plantsThey build nests for other animalsThey help control insectsThey help clean the water

Why is an amphibian's skin so sensitive?

It is very thinIt helps them absorb water and airIt is covered in wartsIt helps them change color

A new amphibian species is found in a clean river. Why is this a good sign for the river's health?

Amphibians can only live in clean waterTheir skin makes them sensitive to pollutionThe amphibians will eat all the insectsThe new species will change the river's temperature

A scientist finds a fossil of a creature with both gills and legs. What can they infer about the creature?

It lived only in the oceanIt was a cold-blooded mammalIt was an early amphibianIt was a fish that lived on land