Page 109 - A Field Guide to Fairfax County's Plants and Wildlife
P. 109
Amphibians
Amphibians are a class of cold-blooded vertebrates with smooth, scale
less, usually moist skin. As their name suggests, these animals depend
on water for at least part of their life history. Amphibians have a unique
kind of skin that allows both water and air to pass through. This enables
them to breathe through their skin both in water and on land. In fact, some
amphibians breathe only through their skin and do not even have lungs!
Because of their permeable skin, these animals are sensitive to both air
and water pollution.
Most amphibians lay soft-shelled, jellylike eggs under water or in damp
locations such as under rocks or logs. Typically, eggs hatch into aquatic
larvae with gills, which eventually metamorphose into adults. Many
amphibians rely on vernal pools (temporary woodland ponds that form in
spring) to raise their young. Because vernal pools lack fish, this protects
the eggs and larvae from predators. Destruction of vernal pools by
development is threatening many amphibian populations.
Fairfax County is home to multiple species of amphibians that can be
grouped into two types: frogs and toads; and salamanders and newts.
Frogs and toads have a similar body plan with hind legs modified for
swimming and jumping. Both frogs and toads are very vocal animals.
Typical Frog Life Cycle
r 105 r
Amphibians are a class of cold-blooded vertebrates with smooth, scale
less, usually moist skin. As their name suggests, these animals depend
on water for at least part of their life history. Amphibians have a unique
kind of skin that allows both water and air to pass through. This enables
them to breathe through their skin both in water and on land. In fact, some
amphibians breathe only through their skin and do not even have lungs!
Because of their permeable skin, these animals are sensitive to both air
and water pollution.
Most amphibians lay soft-shelled, jellylike eggs under water or in damp
locations such as under rocks or logs. Typically, eggs hatch into aquatic
larvae with gills, which eventually metamorphose into adults. Many
amphibians rely on vernal pools (temporary woodland ponds that form in
spring) to raise their young. Because vernal pools lack fish, this protects
the eggs and larvae from predators. Destruction of vernal pools by
development is threatening many amphibian populations.
Fairfax County is home to multiple species of amphibians that can be
grouped into two types: frogs and toads; and salamanders and newts.
Frogs and toads have a similar body plan with hind legs modified for
swimming and jumping. Both frogs and toads are very vocal animals.
Typical Frog Life Cycle
r 105 r
