Amphibians Gallery

X-ray of a frog

Frog. X-ray of a frog (family Ranidae). The frog's semi-circular jawbone gives it a wide gape for capturing prey with its tongue. The strong limb bones are adapted for powerful jumping and swimming. The forelimbs are attached to a fused shoulder girdle to take the impact of landing after a jump. The three pelvic bones are also fused, providing a fixed pivot from which the long hindlegs can kick. The rear toes are elongated and webbed to assist with swimming

© D. ROBERTS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Tawny owl, historical artwork

Tawny owl. Historical artwork of a tawny owl (Strix aluco). This is a nocturnal predator that inhabits forests and sparse woodland across much of Eurasia. It hunts at night, and finds its prey by sound. It feeds mainly on small mammals such as mice and voles, although it also takes smaller birds, frogs, fish and insects. By day it sleeps, camouflaged against branches or in a tree hole. It may reach a length of up to 40 centimetres. It has two calls: a harsh "ke-wick" and the "hoo-hoo" that is often but incorrectly assumed to be produced by all owls. This artwork was drawn by Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935)

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Axolotl, artwork

Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), artwork. This aquatic freshwater amphibian is a neotonic (larva-like) salamander. The larval form fails to undergo metamorphosis, so the adult form has the external gills (purple) of the larva and remains underwater rather than emerging onto land. The axolotl also has a caudal fin running from its head to its tail. It is a predator, feeding on worms, insects, and small fish. Axolotls are found in and around Mexico City, Mexico. Because of their characteristics, they are used extensively in biological research

© LIZZIE HARPER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY