Sammakkoeläimissä

Sammakkoeläimissä is a Finnish term referring to amphibians. Amphibians are a class of cold-blooded vertebrates that typically live in both water and on land. They undergo a remarkable metamorphosis, starting life as aquatic larvae (like tadpoles) and transforming into terrestrial or semi-aquatic adults. This life cycle is a defining characteristic of the group.

The class Amphibia is divided into three main orders: Anura, Urodela, and Gymnophiona. Anura includes frogs and toads, which are characterized by their lack of a tail in adulthood and powerful hind legs for jumping. Urodela, or salamanders and newts, retain their tails as adults and generally have a more elongated body shape. Gymnophiona, often called caecilians, are limbless amphibians that resemble worms or snakes and are primarily burrowing creatures.

Amphibians possess permeable skin, which they use for respiration, a process known as cutaneous respiration. This makes them highly sensitive to environmental changes, particularly pollution and habitat destruction. Their skin also often secretes mucus, which helps keep it moist and can contain toxins for defense.

These animals play crucial roles in ecosystems, serving as both predators of insects and other invertebrates, and as prey for birds, mammals, and other reptiles. Their presence or absence is often an indicator of the health of an environment. Worldwide amphibian populations are facing significant declines, leading to conservation efforts to protect these unique creatures.