Amphibian Digestion

Amphibian Digestion

Amphibians include frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, & caecilians.

Amphibians most likely evolved from the lobe-finned fishes, so their digestive systems

are also similar.

Mouth

• Contains maxillary and vomerine teeth.• Tongue attached at the front of the mouth.• Teeth are pedicellate.• Use eyes to swallow.• Most toads have no teeth.

Eating

• Swallows food whole• Sticky coiled tongue in frogs & some Salamanders = bolitoglossine can extend length of head & trunk!

Eating Continued

• Other salamanders use suction by rapidly opening the mouth.

• Adults are carnivores.• Saliva converts starch to sugar.• Eat worms, insects, birds, and especially other frogs. http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJhg53GtH4k

Digestive Tract

• Digestive organs:

• Accessory organs

It All Ends Here

• Digestive tract ends with cloaca - cavity at end of large intestine where wastes from urinary bladder, solid waste from intestines, and eggs or sperm all exit body via vent / anus.