Chapter 1
The great evolutionary split
Chapter 2
Skin, lungs, and breathing secrets
Chapter 3
From jelly eggs to tough shells
Chapter 4
Mastering the extremes
YOUR GOAL
Master of Amphibians and reptiles
Ch 2 · Skin, lungs, and breathing secrets
sonia Amphibian Reptile Breathing
Reptiles only breathe with lungs, you know, Amphibians' moist skin lets oxygen flow!
sonia Lacking physical armor, many amphibians use their permeable skin to secrete lethal toxins and warn predators.
sonia Reptile scales are made of keratin, creating a waterproof shield that prevents dehydration in harsh, dry climates.
BETA
sonia Play this educational game to explore how amphibians and reptiles breathe. Learn the secrets of their skin, lungs, and respiration methods.
Fun Fact
Lungless salamanders breathing: The world's largest family of salamanders, Plethodontidae, has no lungs at all and breathes entirely through their skin.
Glossary
cutaneous respiration (noun)
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the skin of an animal. While amphibians absorb oxygen through moist skin, reptiles rely solely on lungs due to their waterproof scales.
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the skin of an animal. While amphibians absorb oxygen through moist skin, reptiles rely solely on lungs due to their waterproof scales.
Quiz
The golden poison frog of Colombia uses bright colors to warn predators of its toxicity, a strategy known as what?
Quiz
Which family of salamanders contains over 470 species that completely lack lungs and breathe only through skin?
Quiz
Which reptile uses specialized skin grooves to channel dew and moisture directly to its mouth in the Australian desert?
Quiz
Which protein, also found in human fingernails, makes up the waterproof scales of reptiles?
Quiz
What is the scientific term for breathing through the skin, a vital process for many amphibians?