What characteristics define Lithobates sylvaticus's placement in Class Amphibia?

Answer

Undergoing metamorphosis, possessing smooth, moist skin, and being ectothermic

The classification of an organism into the Class Amphibia is based on a set of defining physiological and developmental traits that distinguish amphibians from other vertebrates. For the Wood Frog, *Lithobates sylvaticus*, these criteria include undergoing metamorphosis, a process where the aquatic larval stage transforms into a terrestrial or semi-aquatic adult. Furthermore, amphibians are characterized by having smooth, moist skin, which aids in cutaneous respiration (breathing through the skin). Finally, they are defined as ectothermic, meaning they rely on external environmental sources to regulate their body temperature, rather than generating heat internally. These features collectively determine its position within the taxonomic hierarchy above the Order level.

Related Questions

What characteristics define Lithobates sylvaticus's placement in Class Amphibia?What distinguishes the Order Anura to which Lithobates sylvaticus belongs?Which genus classification preceded Rana for the Wood Frog, Lithobates sylvaticus?What does the specific epithet sylvaticus roughly translate to for the Wood Frog?What does NatureServe's global listing of G5 signify for the Wood Frog?What conservation status might a state listing for Lithobates sylvaticus show, unlike its global G5 status?What remarkable biological feature allows the Wood Frog to survive being frozen solid?What specific substance is produced by the Wood Frog to prevent lethal intracellular ice formation?What key feature indicates Lithobates sylvaticus's placement in Phylum Chordata?Why do field biologists use the binomial nomenclature Lithobates sylvaticus universally?

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