VERTEBRATES 129 



Comparative Study of Amphibia 

 Materials. 



Various amphibia, either dead or alive, such as newts, 

 mud puppies {necturus), salamanders, and several species 

 of frogs and toads, especially tree toads. 



Observations. 



Answer the following questions with respect to each 

 animal : — 



1. What regions of the body are present ? What is the 

 general shape and size of the body ? 



2. For what kind of locomotion are the limbs fitted ? 

 How ? 



3. Have the hands and feet any special adaptations ? 

 If so, what are they and for what purpose ? 



4. With what organs does the animal breathe ? If with 

 gills, are they external or internal ? 



5. Judging from the specimen, what do you think is the 

 habitat ? Give reason for your answer. 



Summary from the Comparative Study of Amphibia 



1. Which of the amphibia in this study are fish-like in 

 character ? What are the fish-like characters ? Do you 

 think these fish-like amphibia are of a lower or higher type 

 than the others ? Give reasons for your answer. 



2. Show how the variation in {a) the form of the body, (b) 

 color patterns, and {c) the structure of the legs and arms 

 of the amphibia are related to habitat and mode of life. 



Amphibia: A General Review and Library Exercise 



1. The usefulness of the American toad. 



2. The breeding habits of the common frog ; of the Suri- 

 nam toad ; of the obstetrical toad ; of the " smith." 



3. The development of the axolotl. 



