Facts About Frogs

A frog is an amphibian featuring a stout body, meshed digits and protruding eyes. Some peculiar physical traits of the animal include the absence of a tail, permeable skin and long hind legs that are more suited to leaping than walking. Scattered across the globe, in different habitats, they dwell in tropic to sub-arctic regions. Generally, they lead a semi- aquatic lifestyle, shuttling between land and water. Besides, depending on the differences in species, they exhibit different characteristics. The African dwarf frog is a completely aquatic species, whereas the White's tree frog is an arboreal species. To know more about this amazing amphibian, check out the interesting information provided below.

Facts about Frog

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Amphibia

Order: Anura

Suborder: Archaeobatrachia, Mesobatrachia, Neobatrachia

Subphylum: Vertebrata

Species: More than 5000

Weight: 100 g

Diet: Carnivorous (Annelids, Anthropods & Gastropods)

Habitat: Tropic to Sub-arctic

Age of Maturity: 2-4 years

Gestation Period: Varies with species

Average Life Span: 4-15 years

Interesting & Amazing Information about Frogs

About 88 % of amphibians are frogs.
Normally, frogs lay their eggs in water and their larvae, called tadpoles, develop in water only.
Though adults are carnivorous, tadpoles of most species are herbivorous and survive on algae that are passed on to the body through gills.
Frogs have a highly permeable skin that allows the passage of oxygen to the body and helps in breathing.
The skin permeability of frogs helps them absorb water directly through the skin.
The long hind legs of a frog, coupled with elongated anklebones, facilitate its jumping long distances.
The skin of frog is devoid of loose connective tissue that makes it slack and saggy.
Normally, skin texture of frogs varies, depending on the species, and can be smooth, crinkled or warty.
Frogs have three eyelid membranes, including a transparent one to guard eyes underwater.
Frogs have a hearing structure called tympanum, on each side of the head.
Frogs are normally toothless in the lower jaw and therefore, swallow their prey whole.
Frogs can easily camouflage, which serves as an important defensive mechanism.
The extent of webbing in toes of a frog depends on the amount of time it spends in the water.
Certain species, such as poison dart frogs, secrete mild poisons in their bodies. Some frogs also extract toxins from their diet.
Even though frogs are semi-aquatic, some species are also found in arid areas, such as deserts.
Frogs engage in calling behavior for a variety of reasons, including mating, territorial protection, distress calls and humidity cues.

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