What life stages do amphibians experience?

Amphibians are unique among vertebrates because they undergo a distinct life cycle that typically includes both aquatic and terrestrial stages. Most amphibians begin their lives as eggs laid in water, which hatch into larvae, often called tadpoles. These larvae are primarily aquatic, possessing gills for breathing underwater and a tail for swimming.

As they grow, amphibians undergo a process known as metamorphosis, during which they develop lungs, absorb their tails, and typically transition to a more terrestrial phase as adults. Adult amphibians can inhabit a variety of environments, often requiring moist habitats to keep their skin from drying out and to reproduce.

This life cycle—starting in water as larvae and maturing into a semi-terrestrial or fully terrestrial adult—demonstrates the blend of aquatic and terrestrial stages that amphibians experience, making the option that describes this mix the correct choice.