Final answer:
Amphibians do not lay amniotic eggs; this statement is false. The amniotic egg, which allows reproductive success on land, is an adaptation found in reptiles, birds, and certain mammals but not amphibians.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Amphibians lay amniotic eggs' is False. Amphibians do not lay amniotic eggs; instead, their eggs must be laid in water because they lack a protective shell and would dry out on land. The amniotic egg is an evolutionary adaptation found in reptiles, birds, and certain mammals which allows these animals to reproduce on land. The adaptation includes a shell and extra-embryonic membranes that protect and nourish the embryo, keeping it moist, providing oxygen, and allowing the retention of water and nutrients.
The evolution of amniotes, which include reptiles, birds, and mammals, differed significantly from amphibians. This evolutionary step provided the ability to lay eggs on land, a change that distinguished amniotes from the amphibians, as amphibians are still restricted to moist environments.