Chapter 28, Problem 30A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The percentage that each order of amphibians contributes to the total amount of amphibians.

Introduction:

Amphibians are small vertebrates that required water, or a wet environment, to survive. The amphibian includes frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. All can breathe and get water through their very slim skin. Amphibians also have unique skin glands that produce useful proteins. Some carry water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide either into or out of the animal. Others combat bacteria or fungal infections. And at least one in every species is beneficial for defense. To warn potential predators, the maximum toxic amphibians are also the most brightly colored. 

Explanation of Solution

The three modern orders of amphibians are Anura (the frogs and toads), Caudata and Gymnophina. The total number of known amphibian species is approximately 4850 of which nearly 90% are frogs. In the given pie diagram the order Anura occupied $\frac{4200}{4850}\times {360}^{°}={311.8}^{°}$. The total percentage of order Anura is $\frac{311.8}{360}\times 100=86.6$

The order Caudata occupied $\frac{500}{4850}\times {360}^{°}={37.1}^{°}$. The total percentage of order Caudata is= $\frac{37.1}{360}\times 100=10.3$

The order Gymnophina occupied $\frac{150}{4850}\times {360}^{°}={11.1}^{°}$. The total percentage of order Gymnophina is= $\frac{11.1}{360}\times 100=3.1$

Conclusion

Thus, amphibian inhabit a huge range of habitats, with maximum species living within terrestrial, fossorial, arboreal or freshwater aquatic ecosystems. The order Anura, Caudata and gymnophina contains 86.6%, 10.3% and 3.1% respectively in the total amphibian species.