What is the Difference Between Limbless Amphibians and Snakes?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Limbless amphibians and snakes are both limbless creatures that belong to the amphibian and reptile classes, respectively. They share some superficial similarities, such as their cylindrical body types, moist and soft skin, and modes of locomotion, which include gliding and swimming. However, there are several key differences between them:
- Class: Limbless amphibians, also known as caecilians, belong to the Gymnophiona order of the amphibian class, while snakes are limbless animals that belong to the suborder Serpentes under the class Reptilia.
- Feeding Habits: Limbless amphibians feed on earthworms and other soft-bodied animals, whereas snakes feed on invertebrates, other reptiles, mammals, birds, and insects.
- Location: Limbless amphibians are mostly burrowers, living under moist soils near streams, lakes, and ponds. In contrast, snakes can be found in water, land, burrows, and even trees.
- Venomous: Limbless amphibians are not venomous but produce toxins that deter predators. Snakes can be both venomous and non-venomous.
- Teeth: Limbless amphibians have teeth arranged in two rows that help in mastication and swallowing. Snakes also have two rows of sharp teeth for chewing and swallowing, and they are born with an 'egg tooth' that helps them break out of the egg.
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Comparative Table: Limbless Amphibians vs Snakes
Here is a table highlighting the differences between limbless amphibians and snakes:
Feature | Limbless Amphibians | Snakes |
---|---|---|
Taxonomy | Gymnophiona order under Amphibia class | Suborder Serpentes under Reptilia class |
Description | Also known as caecilians | Limbless reptiles with visible scales |
Hearing | No outer ear cavity, but inner ear cavity remnants help in hearing | No middle and outer ear cavities, but can detect low vibrations |
Reproduction | Mostly viviparous, some ovoviviparous | Mostly oviparous, some ovoviviparous |
Feeding Habits | Feed on earthworms and other soft-bodied animals | Feed on invertebrates, other reptiles, mammals, birds, insects |
Location | Burrowers, living under moist soils near streams, lakes, and ponds | Can be found in water, land, burrows, trees |
Venomous | Not venomous, produce toxins to repel predators | Both venomous and non-venomous |
Teeth | Teeth arranged in two rows for mastication and swallowing | Egg teeth for tearing out of the egg, shed later; polyphyodonts |
Limbless amphibians, also known as caecilians, belong to the Gymnophiona order of the amphibian class, while snakes are limbless reptiles that belong to the suborder Serpentes under the class Reptilia. Some key differences between the two include their taxonomy, hearing abilities, feeding habits, location, venomous nature, and teeth arrangements.
- Legless Amphibians vs Snakes
- Reptile vs Amphibian
- Snake vs Lizard
- Tetrapods vs Amphibians
- Mammals vs Amphibians
- Fish vs Amphibians
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous Snakes
- Lizard vs Salamander
- Snake vs Worm
- Poisonous vs Venomous Snakes
- Toad vs Lizard
- Mammal vs Reptile
- Reptiles vs Birds
- Amniotes vs Anamniotes
- Alligator Snapping Turtle vs Snapping Turtle
- Caiman vs Alligator
- Dinosaur vs Reptile
- Alligators vs Crocodiles
- Frogs vs Toads