In which class of vertebrates would you find species that undergo metamorphosis?

The class of vertebrates in which you find species that undergo metamorphosis is Amphibia. This is particularly evident in frogs and salamanders, which start their life cycle as aquatic larvae with gills and tails and eventually transform into terrestrial or semi-aquatic adults with lungs and limbs. This metamorphic process is a crucial aspect of their life cycle, allowing them to adapt to different environments as they develop.

Amphibians rely on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats during different life stages, which underscores the significance of metamorphosis in their biological and ecological success. The transformation from larva to adult enables them to exploit a wider range of ecological niches and has implications for their survival and reproductive strategies.

In contrast, reptiles, birds, and mammals do not undergo this type of metamorphosis. Reptilia typically exhibit more direct development, resulting in hatchlings that resemble smaller versions of adults. Aves follow a process where chicks are born relatively immature and develop into adults without such drastic changes in body structure. Mammals, too, give birth to live young or produce eggs in some species, but do not have a larval stage that undergoes metamorphosis like amphibians do.