Amphibian

Animals which can live on both land and in water are known as amphibians. They can have smooth or rough skin but will not have scales or hair.

Amphibians are cold-blooded animals, this means their body temperature is the same temperatures as the environment around them and some hibernate in the winter when it's cold. They can usually be found hiding under plants in a pond or lake.

Amphibians lay their eggs in water and live their early life there. As they grow up they develop the necessary organs to come out of the water and breath air in a process is called metamorphosis.

Most amphibians eat insects and small animals.

Amphibians usually have four legs, the two at the back are used for jumping.

Amphibians are a type of vertebrate, an animal which has a backbone inside their body.

Amphibians

• axolotl
• caecilian
• frog
• newt
• salamander
• toad

Amphibians in the UK

There are seven amphibians living in the UK, they are:

1. common frog
2. pool frog
3. common toad
4. natterjack toad
5. great crested newt
6. smooth newt
7. palmate newt