The Vanishing Frog

Anatomy of a Frog
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FROG SKIN

Most frogs never drink water through their mouths, but instead absorb all of their water through their skin. This is one reason why frogs are never far from a water source. They "drink" by sitting or swimming in a lake or pond, allowing water to pass through their permiable skin. They also absorb water by burrowing into moist soil. A special "seat pouch" on the frog's belly allows it to absorb moisture from wet plants or logs through capillary action.

Frogs also breathe through their skin. Although they get most of their oxygen through regular breathing, their skin intakes enough oxygen from the water it absorbs that if the skin becomes dry or unhealthy, the frog could suffocate to death. Some frogs secrete mucus to help keep their skin moist, thereby preventing suffocation and dehydration.

All frogs regularly shed their skin to keep it healthy. Some frogs shed their skin weekly or even daily. By stretching, turning and "hiccuping," they loosen and remove the old skin, finally pulling it over their head and eating it (for nutrition and water).

Frog skin comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Patterned skin helps some frogs stay camouflaged against the background of their environment, hidden from predators. Other frogs have bright colors that warn predators that they're poisonous to eat. The most venomous frog species have skin more than 250 times as toxic as strychnine. A single touch is enough to kill a small monkey. The poison is mainly defensive, and is secreted when the frog is frightened. A large amount of the toxicity comes from poisonous insects that they eat. Frog poison contains a steroidal alkaloid called batrachotoxin. This blocks neuromuscular transmission, causing muscular and respiratory paralysis, and eventually death.

» MORE ANATOMY OF A FROG

Anatomy of a Frog

	FROG EYES The frog's eyes help it catch insects, avoid predators and swallow.		FROG EARS The frog hears sound through its ear drums ... and its lungs!		FROG MOUTH The frog has a sticky tongue for catching insects. It even has teeth!
	FROG LEGS Jumping is as important to some as clinging and burrowing is to others.		FROG SKIN Skin allows for the transfer of moisture and protection from predators.		THE VANISHING FROG Go back to The Vanishing Frog main page for more frog facts and frog fun.