How do amphibians differ from reptiles in their reproduction?

Amphibians and reptiles differ significantly in their reproductive strategies, primarily due to the evolutionary development of specialized membranes in reptiles.1

Reproductive Differences

• Egg Structure and Environment: Amphibians typically lay gelatinous, shell-less eggs that must remain in moist environments or water to prevent desiccation, as they lack the protective membranes necessary for terrestrial development. In contrast, reptiles are amniotes, meaning their embryos develop within a protective set of extra-embryonic membranes—the amnion, chorion, and allantois. These membranes, often enclosed in a leathery or hard shell, allow reptiles to reproduce successfully on land.23415
• Developmental Stages: Amphibian eggs usually hatch into free-swimming larvae that undergo metamorphosis to reach adulthood. Reptiles generally bypass this larval stage, hatching as miniature versions of the adults.246
• Live Birth: While most amphibians lay eggs, some species exhibit viviparity or retain eggs internally. Similarly, many reptiles, particularly squamates (lizards and snakes), have evolved to give birth to live young, sometimes utilizing placentae for nutrient exchange.4726