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Caudata, also known as Urodela, is an order of amphibians characterized by their elongated body and tail, which gives them their name, derived from the Latin cauda, meaning "tail". These animals are primarily found in freshwater and terrestrial habitats, with a few species inhabiting brackish water. They undergo complete metamorphosis during their life cycle, transitioning from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults. Caudata includes salamanders, newts, and sirens, among other forms of amphibians. These creatures are known for their ability to regenerate lost body parts, a trait that has been the subject of extensive scientific study. Fossil records indicate that Caudata has been present on Earth for over 160 million years, with some extinct species reaching impressive sizes. Today, there are around 700 known species of Caudata, distributed across all continents except Antarctica.