If a frog is kept in the dark or on a dark surface, _its skin will
become darker_ than if kept in the light or on a white dish. Try this
experiment, comparing two frogs. This power of changing colour is
believed to be due to the diminution in size of certain pigment cells by
contraction, and enlargement from relaxation. This power is possessed to
a certain degree not only by batrachians but also by many fishes and
reptiles. The chameleon, or green lizard, surpasses all other animals in
this respect (Fig. 280). What advantage from this power?
=Digestive System.=—The large mouth cavity is connected by a short
throat with the gullet, or œsophagus (Fig. 255). A slit called the
glottis opens from the throat into the lungs (Fig. 255). Is the gullet
long or short? Broad or narrow? Is the stomach short or elongated? Is
the division distinct between stomach and gullet, and stomach and
intestine? Is the liver large or small? Is it simple or lobed? The
pancreas lies between the stomach and the first bend of the intestines
(Fig. 255). What is its shape? A bile duct connects the liver with the
small intestine (_Dc_, Fig. 255). It passes through the pancreas, from
which it receives several pancreatic ducts. After many turns, the small
intestine joins the large intestine. The last part of the large
intestine is called the rectum (Latin, straight). The last part of the
rectum is called the cloaca (Latin, a drain), and into it the ducts from
the kidneys and the reproductive glands also open. The kidneys are
large, elongated, and flat. They lie under the dorsal wall. The urinary
bladder is also large. Does the salamander have a similar digestive
system? (Fig. 256) Why are the liver and the lungs (Fig. 256) longer in
a salamander than in a frog?
[Illustration:
FIG. 256.—ANATOMY OF SALAMANDER.
_1a_, heart; _2_, lungs; _3a_, stomach; _3b_, intestine; _3c_, large
intestine; _4_, liver; _8_, egg masses; _10_, bladder; _11_, vent.
]
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