Question

Limbless amphibians belong to the order
A. Gymnophiona
B. Lissamphibia
C. Urodela
D. Anura

Answer 1

Hint: Limbless amphibians mean those amphibians that don’t possess limb. There are three living orders of the class Amphibia. Each of these orders has different characteristics and body form.

Complete Answer:
- Option a: Gymnophiona or Caecilia or Apoda is one of the three major living orders of the class amphibia. Amphibians belonging to this order are limbless and are worm-like. They possess scales and are blind. Therefore, this option is correct. Example, Uraeotyphlus, Ichthyophis.
Ichthyophis or Blindworm is one of the most studied examples of the order Gymnophiona. They are limbless, the dermal scales are embedded in the skin and the fertilization is internal.

- Option b: Lissamphibia is a group of tetrapods that includes all modern amphibians. It consists of three living groups or order, i.e., Anura, Caudata, and Gymnophiona. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

- Option c: Urodela or Caudata comprises amphibians that possess tails. They have a slender body, blunt snouts, and short limbs. Both adults and larvae possess tails. Therefore, this option is incorrect. Example, Salamanders, newts.

- Option d: Anura or Salientia don’t have a tail. Their hindlimb is longer than forelimb. It includes frogs and toads. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Note: The three orders of living amphibians are said to be derived from a single radiation of ancient amphibians but they do have different body forms.