Amphibians – Classification
The word ‘amphibian’ has been derived from the Greek word amphibious, where ‘amphi’ means ‘both’, and ‘bios’ means ‘life.’ It is a nod to the fact that amphibians spend part of their lives in water and rest on land.
The class of amphibians can be divided into three subclasses, out of which, two are already extinct.
1. Lepospondyli† – They had a simple spool-shaped cartilaginous spinal column that did not ossify, and grew like bony barrels around the notochord. Examples: Oestocephalus†, Adelospondylus†, and Diplocaulus†
Adelospondylus Amphibians
Diplocaulus Amphibians
Oestocephalus Amphibians
2. Temnospondyli† – Lasting from the Carboniferous to the Cretaceous period, they were similar to modern crocodiles, with an elongated or blunt head. Most were bigger in size than today’s amphibians while others were similar to salamanders. Examples: Prionosuchus†, Siderops†, and Capetus†.
Siderops
Prionosuchus
Capetus
3. Lissamphibia – This includes all modern amphibians, including toads, frogs, salamanders, newts, and caecilians. It can be further classified into:
- Salientia – Includes all amphibians from the order Anura, i.e. all toads, and frogs. Most species have webbed feet. Examples: Goliath frog, common toad.
Common Toad
Goliath Frog
- Caudata – Includes all newts, and salamanders, characterized by the presence of tail during the larval, juvenile, and adult stages of life. Examples: Eastern newt, spotted salamander.
Eastern Newt
Spotted Salamander
- Gymnophiona – Includes caecilians like the Kuala Lumpur caecilian, and Banna caecilian. Apart from being the only legless amphibians, they can be identified by their worm-like appearance.
Banna Caecilian
Kuala Lumpur Caecilian