Amphibians

Fact file

Proper name: Phylum Chordata, Class Lissamphibia
Common name: Amphibians
Examples: Frogs, toads, newts, salamanders

Numbers of species: About 5,000
Where they are found: On land and in freshwater

Description: Amphibians have moist, naked skin (without scales). Adults generally live on land and breathe air, while young amphibians (tadpoles) live in water and have gills. Learn more about their life cycle in Animal reproduction.

Need to know: Most amphibians lay lots of eggs and do not look after their young. There are some exceptions - some frogs brood their eggs on their back, on their legs, and even in their stomach!

Find out more about frogs

Go back to the Tree of life to find out more about other living things.