semiaquática

Semiaquatic refers to organisms that live a portion of their lives in water and a portion on land. This dual lifestyle requires adaptations for both environments. Semiaquatic animals typically possess traits that aid in locomotion and survival in both aquatic and terrestrial settings. For example, many have webbed feet for swimming and strong limbs for walking or running. Their respiratory systems can also be adapted for breathing air while being submerged for periods. Examples of semiaquatic animals include amphibians like frogs and salamanders, many reptiles such as turtles and crocodiles, and numerous mammals like otters, beavers, and hippopotamuses.

The semi-aquatic lifestyle often involves a complex relationship with water sources, which can be used for foraging, breeding, thermoregulation, or protection from predators. The specific balance between aquatic and terrestrial activity varies greatly among species. Some may spend the majority of their time in the water, venturing onto land only for specific purposes like nesting or basking. Others might be more equally divided, or their reliance on each environment can shift with the seasons or life stage. This adaptability allows them to exploit resources and habitats not fully available to purely terrestrial or aquatic organisms.