Frog Integumentary System

The subphylum Vertebrata includes all the familiar animals we tend to see everyday, and some rare and unusual ones (O’Neil, 2012). Scientists classify the seven different Vertebrates based on their skeletal system, general environmental adaptation, and reproductive systems. These seven Vertebrates include, Agnatha, Chondrichthyes, Osteichthyes, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia. During the lab dissection, the class dissected organism from only four of these classes. First, we dissected the perch, which is from the Osteichthyes class. Second, we dissected the pig, which is from the Mammalia class. Then, we dissected the frog, which is from the Amphibia class. Lastly, we dissected the pigeon, which is from the Aves class. There are a lot of similarities between these four animals. However, there are many differences that allow for these animals to survive in their respective environment. Although, these animals have many systems that are needed to function correctly, there are three that I will go into further detail on. The integumentary system, circulatory system, and the respiratory system are extremely important, and specifically designed for each of these organisms to optimize their relative fitness. The integumentary system is the organ system consisting of hair, nails, skin and exocrine glands (Taylor, 2014). Hair is mainly used for warmth during the cold. It can also be used as a protective barrier within the ears and noses. This allows for things like dirt or microbes to not have an opportunistic advantage over a species that contain hair. Nails are typically used for clawing or breaking things open. The skin’s main functions are protection, sensation, insulation, and temperature regulation (Tamarkin, 2011). Skin protects everything that lies beneath it, and acts like a cushion against anything trying to penetrate it (Tamarkin, 2011). Exocrine glands include ducts, so that they can be connected to the surface of the skin (Mcgraw-Hill, 1999). For example, someone who is outside all day will need to sweat. This is a mechanism to control the body’s temperature and maintain homeostasis. In order to sweat, the gland releases the fluid, and then it travels through a duct to be released outside of the body. These four organisms have very different integumentary systems. Although, they are different, they act in the same manner and provide similar functions. The perch have a very unique integumentary system. It is a must need because of the environment they live in. Their skin is made up of scales, and is very rough. These scales are along the epidermis, and are staggered upon each other. The mucous glands secrete thick mucus, which is found all over the scales and allows them to be slimly. They have a tail that is used for movement and direction. It is very similar to a sail on a boat. A sail is used when it is very windy out to allow the boat to move in the right direction. They have fins along their epidermis and tail. This is primary used for movement, whereas, the tail is used for direction. Also, their fins can be used as a defense mechanism from predators. They can stick up, and are very sharp. This helps perch fight off enemies, and increase their survival chances. They do not have external ears or eyelids. They have internal ears, and they hear through vibrations in the water. They are always moving through the water so they can obtain oxygen through their gills (Creque, 2014). Therefore, they don’t use …show more content…
The frog depends on their skin for water absorption. This is interesting and extremely unique. They typically do not drink water, but instead have water permeable skin. They have a pouch within their stomachs to store water. Typically, their skin produces toxins to fight against predators. Frogs do not have any hair, and only have skin. They also do not have claws or nails, but instead webbed feet. This allows for them to be excellent swimmers, and move about the water with ease. They have eyelids, and internal ears. Their skin also serves as a camouflage depending on the environment they live in (Biology Skin, 2013). Frogs can be very colorful or very bland. This strongly increases their survival