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Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of an amphibian's skin?
What is the primary source of food for frogs?
What is the stage of a frog's life cycle that undergoes metamorphosis?
What is a common defense mechanism used by frogs?
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What is a major threat to frog populations worldwide?
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What is a conservation effort to protect frog populations?
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Study Notes
Characteristics
- Amphibians, belonging to the order Anura
- Typically have a moist, smooth skin
- Long, jumping legs and webbed feet
- No tail in adult stage (apart from a few species)
- Carnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, and other invertebrates
Habitat and Distribution
- Found in a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial environments
- Inhabit ponds, lakes, rivers, forests, and grasslands
- Distributed across the globe, except Antarctica
- Most species are found in tropical and subtropical regions
Life Cycle
- Eggs are laid in water, hatch into larvae (tadpoles)
- Tadpoles undergo metamorphosis, developing into adult frogs
- Adult frogs reproduce, starting the cycle again
Defense Mechanisms
- Camouflage and hiding to avoid predators
- Toxic secretions from skin to deter predators
- Some species can play dead (thanatosis) or release a foul odor
Communication
- Use vocalizations (croaks, chirps, etc.) to communicate
- Visual signals, such as postures and color changes, also used
- Some species use seismic signals, vibrating the ground to communicate
Conservation Status
- Many species are threatened or endangered due to habitat destruction, pollution, and disease
- Chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease, has devastated frog populations worldwide
- Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and captive breeding, are underway to protect frog populations
Characteristics of Frogs
- Belong to the order Anura
- Have moist, smooth skin
- Characterized by long, jumping legs and webbed feet
- Adults have no tail, except for a few species
Habitat and Distribution
- Found in a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial environments
- Inhabit ponds, lakes, rivers, forests, and grasslands
- Distributed across the globe, except Antarctica
- Majority of species are found in tropical and subtropical regions
Life Cycle
- Eggs are laid in water, which hatch into larvae (tadpoles)
- Tadpoles undergo metamorphosis, developing into adult frogs
- Adult frogs reproduce, starting the cycle again
Defense Mechanisms
- Use camouflage and hiding to avoid predators
- Have toxic secretions from skin to deter predators
- Some species can play dead (thanatosis) or release a foul odor
Communication
- Use vocalizations (croaks, chirps, etc.) to communicate
- Visual signals, such as postures and color changes, are also used
- Some species use seismic signals, vibrating the ground to communicate
Conservation Status
- Many species are threatened or endangered due to habitat destruction, pollution, and disease
- Chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease, has devastated frog populations worldwide
- Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and captive breeding, are underway to protect frog populations
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Description
Learn about the physical characteristics, habitat, and distribution of frogs and toads, from their smooth skin to their carnivorous diet.
