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 Surinam toad; of the obstetrical toad; of the "smith."
  3. The development of the axolotl.
  4. The habits of the tree frogs and their variable coloration.
  5. The croaking of frogs and of toads.
  6. The flying frog of Ceylon.
  7. The distribution and habits of the hellbender; of the mud puppy; of the Congo "snake."
  8. The general absence of the amphibia from arid regions.
  9. Frog farming for city markets.
  10. Protective devices of various amphibia.
  11. Toads and warts.
  12. The homing and water instincts of toads.
  13. Hibernation, seasonal or prolonged, of toads and frogs.
  14. The changes in the respiratory and circulatory system during metamorphosis.
  15. Ontogeny and phylogeny, as illustrated by amphibia.
  16. The structural defects which would prevent an ambitious frog from becoming a highly trained and skillful animal.
  17. The classification of amphibia, with examples.
  18. The kinds of frogs and toads found in the region where you live.