amphibian
An amphibian is a type of animal that can live both on land and in water. Most amphibians, like frogs and salamanders, start their lives in the water and move to land as they grow older.
Examples
3 of 5The children saw a small green frog, which is a common amphibian, near the lake.
The children saw a small green frog, which is a common amphibian, near the lake.
The protection of every native amphibian species is a priority for the local government.
The protection of every native amphibian species is a priority for the local government.
Look at that cool amphibian hiding under the wet leaves!
Look at that cool amphibian hiding under the wet leaves!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Amphi' as 'Both' (like an amphitheater with seats on both sides) and 'Bio' as 'Life'. An amphibian lives 'both lives' in water and on land.
Quick Quiz
A frog is a type of _______ because it lives both in water and on land.
Correct!
The correct answer is: amphibian
Examples
The children saw a small green frog, which is a common amphibian, near the lake.
everydayThe children saw a small green frog, which is a common amphibian, near the lake.
The protection of every native amphibian species is a priority for the local government.
formalThe protection of every native amphibian species is a priority for the local government.
Look at that cool amphibian hiding under the wet leaves!
informalLook at that cool amphibian hiding under the wet leaves!
Biologists are studying how the amphibian respiratory system adapts to different environments.
academicBiologists are studying how the amphibian respiratory system adapts to different environments.
Our environmental impact report focuses on the local amphibian population near the construction site.
businessOur environmental impact report focuses on the local amphibian population near the construction site.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
amphibian vehicle
amphibian vehicle
amphibian landing
amphibian landing
amphibian eggs
amphibian eggs
Often Confused With
Reptiles have dry, scaly skin and lay eggs on land, whereas amphibians have moist skin and usually lay eggs in water.
Usage Notes
Use 'amphibian' when referring to the scientific class of animals that transition from water to land. It is a more precise term than simply saying 'water animal'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'amphibian' to describe any animal that swims, like a crocodile, but crocodiles are actually reptiles.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Amphi' as 'Both' (like an amphitheater with seats on both sides) and 'Bio' as 'Life'. An amphibian lives 'both lives' in water and on land.
Word Origin
From the Greek 'amphibios', which means 'living a double life'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Frogs, the most famous amphibians, are often used in literature and folklore to represent transformation, such as the 'Frog Prince' story.
Quick Quiz
A frog is a type of _______ because it lives both in water and on land.
Correct!
The correct answer is: amphibian
Related Vocabulary
More nature words
omnivore
A1An omnivore is an animal or person that eats both plants and meat. They have a varied diet because they can digest many different types of food sources.
scavenger
A1A scavenger is an animal or a person that finds and collects things that others have thrown away or left behind. In nature, it refers to animals that eat dead plants or other dead animals to survive.
migration
A1Migration is the movement of people or animals from one place to another to live or find food. It can happen every year with the seasons or be a permanent move to a new country.
hibernation
A1Hibernation is a long, deep sleep that some animals take during the winter. It helps them save energy and survive when there is very little food available.
camouflage
A1Camouflage is a way to hide by looking like the things around you. It helps animals and people stay safe by blending into the background so they are hard to see.
pond
A1A pond is a small area of still water that is smaller than a lake. It can be found naturally in the wild or built in a park or garden.
marsh
A1A marsh is a type of wetland that is often flooded with water. It is usually covered with grasses, reeds, and other plants that like wet soil.
waterfall
A1A waterfall is a place where a river or stream flows over a high, steep cliff or rock. It is a beautiful natural feature often found in mountainous areas where water drops vertically.
rapids
A1Rapids are parts of a river where the water flows very fast over rocks. They look white and bubbly and can be dangerous for boats.
delta
A1A delta is a low, flat area of land where a river divides into several smaller rivers before flowing into the sea. It is often shaped like a triangle and is formed by sand and soil left by the water.
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