amfibii

Amfibii is a Latin term that translates to "amphibians" in English. It generally refers to a class of ectothermic, tetrapod vertebrates characterized by their ability to live both in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Modern amphibians include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts, which collectively belong to the class Amphibia.

Amphibians are distinguished by their complex life cycle, which typically involves an aquatic larval stage followed by a terrestrial adult stage. They possess permeable skin that facilitates gas exchange and requires moist environments to prevent desiccation. Their reproductive strategies often involve laying eggs in water or damp habitats, where the offspring develop through a series of metamorphoses.

The evolutionary history of amphibians dates back to the late Devonian period, approximately 370 million years ago. They are considered among the earliest vertebrates to have transitioned from aquatic to terrestrial habitats. Today, amphibians are found worldwide, with the highest diversity in tropical regions. They play vital ecological roles as both predators and prey and are considered indicator species for environmental health due to their sensitive skin and life cycle.

Amphibian populations are under threat globally, primarily due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, disease such as chytridiomycosis, and invasive species. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and preserve amphibian biodiversity. The study of amphibians contributes significantly to understanding evolutionary biology, ecology, and environmental science.