Amfibialaiset

Amfibialaiset is a Finnish term that broadly refers to amphibians. Amphibians are a class of cold-blooded vertebrates that typically live in both water and on land, although this distinction can vary greatly among species. They are characterized by moist, permeable skin, which they use for respiration, and usually undergo a metamorphosis from an aquatic larval stage to a terrestrial or semi-aquatic adult stage.

The class Amphibia includes three extant orders: Anura (frogs and toads), Urodela or Caudata (salamanders and newts), and Gymnophiona or Apoda (caecilians). Frogs and toads are known for their jumping ability and lack of a tail in adulthood. Salamanders and newts generally have elongated bodies and tails, and typically move by crawling. Caecilians are limbless, worm-like amphibians that often live underground or in water.

Amfibialaiset play crucial roles in ecosystems, often serving as both predators of insects and other small invertebrates, and as prey for larger animals. Their permeable skin makes them particularly sensitive to environmental changes, and their populations are often used as indicators of ecological health. Conservation efforts for amfibialaiset are important due to various threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and disease.