3. Gills in Larval Stages

At the start of their lives, many amphibians such as frogs and newts possess external gills that function much like those of fish. These gills are highly efficient at extracting oxygen from water, enabling rapid growth and development during the larval stage. Some species, like the axolotl, retain their gills into adulthood, while others lose them during metamorphosis. This diversity reflects a wide range of evolutionary strategies among amphibians. Source