Amphibians Honor - advanced

Nature Study

Requirements

1. Have the Amphibians Honor.
2. What is the study of Amphibians called?

   Answer: The study of amphibians is called Batrachology. It is also addressed within Herpetology, the science that studies amphibians and reptiles. — Knowing the name of the science that studies amphibians situates the Pathfinder within this field of study.

3. What is the difference between venomous animals and poisonous animals? Which of these groups can amphibians be classified into? Do all amphibians possess toxins?

   Answer: Venomous animals are those that produce venom AND have a structure to inject it (fangs, stingers, spurs) — e.g., snakes and scorpions. Poisonous animals have toxins in their bodies but cannot inject them: they cause harm when touched or ingested. Most amphibians are classified as poisonous: they produce toxins in the skin (like toads, through the parotoid glands), but do not inject them. Not all amphibians possess toxins — the type and amount vary greatly between species, and some have little or none. — The distinction between venomous (injects) and poisonous (merely possesses the toxin) is essential and prevents dangerous confusion in the field.

4. Develop and carry out a simple research project based on observation, in the wild or in captivity, of one or more selected amphibians, and write an article with the conclusions you reach. To make developing and carrying out the project easier, follow these points:
   • Definition of the species
   • Definition of the parameter(s) for observation
   • Definition of the observation site, methodology adopted and materials needed
   • Drawing up the execution schedule