Which amphibians have scales

They spend time on land, but in their larval stage, as tadpoles, they live in water. Snakes, on the other hand, are reptiles. Some snakes, like the northern water snake, live in water, but not all snakes do. In fact, many snake species live in desert climates. The function of the skin is also different in reptiles and amphibians.

Reptiles have scaly skin that allows them to survive in hot, dry climates, the Department of Conservation reports. Amphibians, though, have thin, delicate skin that they can actually breathe through. Because the skin of an amphibian is porous, they are very sensitive to toxins and other pollutants, particularly in water, according to the Shedd Aquarium.

The presence of amphibians in an area is a sign of good water quality. Reptiles are able to protect themselves from these same pollutants because toxins can't penetrate their scales. The differences in their skin is also why reptiles can live in salt water, but amphibians cannot. Sign up on our website for future alerts about how you can help save species.

Increase public awareness of the amphibian and reptile extinction crisis by downloading free amphibian and reptile ringtones. Create your own backyard sanctuary for amphibians and reptiles. Prevent raccoons, crows and other predators from feeding on your garbage. These animals are a big problem for herps, such as freshwater turtles, whose nests they raid. Drive carefully! Road mortality is major threat for frogs, toads, snakes, turtles and other wildlife, especially spring migrations.

Here are some tips on helping turtles cross the road. Scales can help as a form of defense. Some reptiles have prickly scales that can protect them from predators whilst others, such as the bearded dragon, have developed a deterrent of what looks to be hard spikes but they are actually quite soft.

Amphibians are tetrapod four limbed vertebrate animals that are ectothermic, which means their body temperature varies with the outside temperature. This is also known as cold-blooded.

Amphibians lay jelly-covered eggs, called spawn, usually in still, fresh water, often among water plants. The resulting young, known as tadpoles - which at first look like legless blobs with tails - are aquatic and have feathery, external gills, but soon develop lungs and legs and leave the water.

Adult amphibians spend most of their life on land, usually in damp habitats, only returning to the water to breed in the spring. A few species may be found in water at almost any time of year.