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:

  1. 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.
  2. Feeding Habits: Limbless amphibians feed on earthworms and other soft-bodied animals, whereas snakes feed on invertebrates, other reptiles, mammals, birds, and insects.
  3. 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.
  4. Venomous: Limbless amphibians are not venomous but produce toxins that deter predators. Snakes can be both venomous and non-venomous.
  5. 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.
  6. **Sk

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.