The spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, belongs to the order Caudata and the family Ambystomatidae within the animal kingdom and chordate phylum.
The spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) belongs to the order Caudata, which encompasses salamanders. Within this order, it is classified under the family Ambystomatidae. This family includes various species of mole salamanders, and the spotted salamander is one of its notable members.
In scientific taxonomy, the classification follows a hierarchical system. Starting with the broadest category, the spotted salamander is part of the animal kingdom (Animalia) and the phylum Chordata, which includes organisms with a notochord. Further down the hierarchy, it falls within the class Amphibia, encompassing amphibians like salamanders, frogs, and caecilians. The order Caudata specifically refers to the tailed amphibians, where the spotted salamander finds its place.
The family Ambystomatidae is more specific, grouping together various mole salamanders characterized by their burrowing habits and often found in North America. Ambystoma maculatum, or the spotted salamander, is distinguished by its unique spotted pattern.
In summary, the scientific classification of the spotted salamander is as follows: Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Amphibia, Order: Caudata, Family: Ambystomatidae, and Species: Ambystoma maculatum.
The question probable may be:
What is the scientific classification of the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), including its order (Caudata) and family (Ambystomatidae)?