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Wild Animals A-Z

 

Frog

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Frog picture
Frogs vs. Toads: Frogs and toads are amphibians, meaning they start off as water-breathing juveniles and develop into air-breating adults. No clear distinction exists between frogs and toads, although the skin of a toad tends to be rougher and drier than frogs. Toads also tend to be covered with warts.

Deadly Tongue: Both critters are characterized by their short, ridged body and wide head. Large protruding eyes and a noticeable eardrum on each side of the head are always on the alert for the next meal. A large mouth houses a long, sticky tongue that quickly flicks out to capture live prey. Without teeth and unable to chew, a frog's meals are swallowed whole.

Vulnerability and Defense: Frogs and toads are very vulnerable as they have no defenses against predators. Their best bet to escape being eaten is their ability to jump quickly or their talent for blending into their surroundings. Some species have evolved glands that secrete a poisonous and distasteful substance on their skin. These animals are usually brightly colored to give warning to a predator ready for a meal that it best look elsewhere.

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  MORE FROG

frog

SITE: The Vanishing Frog

TOP 10: Top Animal Dad

TOP 10: Top Animal Fashion Disaster

TOP 10: Top Animal Glutton

SPECIES: Australian Green Tree Frog

SPECIES: Western Leopard Frog

SPECIES: Poison Frog

WALLPAPER: Frog Wallpaper

  DID YOU KNOW?

No Drinking Necessary: Instead of drinking water by mouth, frogs absorb all they need through their skin.

A Diverse Group: More than 5,000 species of frog have been described, making them one of the most diverse group of vertebrates.

Poison with a Purpose: Frog toxins are under close study. A painkiller 200 times as potent as morphine is found in some poison dart frogs. Other chemicals isolated from frog skin could offer resistance to HIV infection.

Loud and Clear: A frog's call is unique to its own species. The call itself, which can be heard up to a mile away in some species, allows males to attract a mate.

 
 
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How Stuff Works

Are There Really Hallucinogenic Frogs?
Wouldn't some of you like to know? Before you break out the flashlight and wading boots, check out HowStuffWorks.com for the real answer.
 

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