Practice question

Limbless amphibians correspond to Order Gymnophiona synonymous Apoda meaning without feet Greek, comprising caecilians showing secondary limb loss and extensive body elongation with increased vertebrae counts up to 285 enabling undulatory burrowing, loss of pectoral and pelvic girdles in many species, skull compact heavily ossified for pushing through soil. Skin annulated with transverse folds containing dermal scales. Anura possesses well-developed hindlimbs for saltatory locomotion, Urodela retains limbs and tail for walking and swimming. Apoda thus defines fossorial limbless amphibian lineage within Lissamphibia distinct from serpentiform reptiles convergent.