The scientific name "toad" causes some confusion, often referring to two different taxa of animals in two genera. According to the most widely accepted classification system, the name "toad" may point to two distinct categories:
True toads (Flamodidae): True toads generally refer to a group of amphibians, scientifically known as *Anura*, which belongs to the class Amphibia and includes animals such as frogs and toads. True toads are amphibians with distinctive characteristics, typically undergoing a transformation from tadpole to adult frog/toad during their life cycle. True toads are distributed worldwide, inhabiting diverse ecosystems including forests, grasslands, rivers, and lakes.
The family Bufo bufo : Another animal commonly referred to as a toad is the family Bufo bufo, which is classified as a type of toad within the class Amphibia. Bufo bufos are similar to other toads in that they typically have thick skin and short legs, but they differ from true toads in their classification.
Therefore, it is necessary to understand the category of toad referred to based on the specific context. In general, "toad" more likely refers to true toads, which are amphibians such as frogs and toads; however, at the level of specific biological classification, it can sometimes refer to animals of the family Ranidae.
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