Ancient Species

Amphibians

Amphibians include frogs, toads, newts and salamanders. Adult amphibians usually live on land but lay soft-shelled eggs in water. Young amphibians live in the water, breathing through gills. As they mature, they usually lose their gills and develop legs.

Amphibians first appeared in the Carboniferous Period (354 to 286 million years ago). Frogs, toads and salamanders have all been present since the Jurassic Period (213 to 144 million years ago).