Caudata

Caudata is an order of amphibians commonly known as salamanders. They typically have elongated bodies, smooth or wrinkled skin, and tails that are often as long as their bodies. Salamanders are found in moist environments such as forests, streams, and ponds, where they thrive in water or damp conditions. They undergo metamorphosis from aquatic larvae with gills to terrestrial or semi-aquatic adults. Caudates play important roles in ecosystems as both predators and prey, helping control insect populations and indicating environmental health due to their sensitive skin and habitat requirements.