Amphibians

Amphibians lay their eggs in water. Young amphibians tend to resemble small fish. The tadpole, or newborn frog, is born and lives in water. It has a tail that allows it to swim like a fish. It also has gills that enable it to breathe under water. As the tadpole grows into a frog, it loses its gills and tail and develops legs for moving around on land. Most amphibians can both swim in water and walk.

Depending on the species of amphibian, breathing can take place in the gills, the lungs, the lining of the mouth, the skin, or some combination of these organs.

An amphibian's body temperature changes with its environment. In cold climates, amphibians hibernate during the winter.