Amphibians and reptiles have been used in teaching and research to study development, behavior, neuroscience, physiology, and ecology. Amphibains and reptiles are often used in research because they can be easy to maintain, provide species-typical behaviors, and are ameinible to field studies.
Many species of amphibian and reptile are used in research. By
far, the most common amphibian or reptile used in research is the
African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). Other species frequently
used include the bullfrog (Rana catesbiana), the leopard frog
(Rana pipiens), the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), the
red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta), the green anole (Anolis
carolinensis), and the garter snake (Thamnophis
sirtalis).