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; subphylum Vertebrata, class Amphibia)

An order of amphibians in which the head joins directly into the trunk. The vertebral column is short and there is no tail in the adult. The fore limbs are stout and the long, webbed, hind limbs are used for jumping and swimming. The eyes are large and high on the head. There are superficial ear membranes posterior to the eyes. All anurans lay eggs, have external fertilization, and develop from tailed tadpoles. There is no neoteny. Sexual dimorphism is common, the males often being smaller and having vocal pouches. There are 2600 species, widespread in tropical and temperate zones.

Subjects: Zoology and Animal Sciences.

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