Get ready for the most exciting frog facts for kids that are rarely known elsewhere. Frogs are the diverse group of carnivorous amphibians that belongs to the order of Anura. They are believed to have been originated some 265 million years ago. Frogs inhabit all throughout the tropical and subtropical regions, with the largest concentration inhabits tropical rainforests. Frogs are by far the most diverse vertebrate groups, with the total recorded species amounted to 4,800 individuals. They have a stout body, forked tongue and protruding eyes. They are known to live in fresh water and dry land and are perfectly adapted for living on the ground as well as in trees. They have a distasteful skin. The color of the frog’s skin ranges from bright red to yellow which is perhaps an indication to alert predators.
They usually lay eggs in water which hatch into aquatic larvae known as tadpoles. They also produce wide variety of vocalisations, specifically in the breeding season the sounds become more obvious. The population of frogs has been pressed down since 1950s. it is believed that more than one-third frog species became threatened and more than hundred species became extinct since 1950s.
Frog Facts For Kids
Each frog species has its own feet structure as there are some that live in water; some are on ground, while others are in burrows. In order to get rid of predators they should move quickly and several adaptations of a frog allow them to do so.
Thanks to the nature of frog’s skin that allows it to absorb water and helps maintaining body temperature. The skin has numerous glands which are not only distasteful but also contains toxic substances. This helps to avoid potential predators. Many frogs can absorb oxygen through their skin.
Frogs typically defend themselves through the camouflage. Most camouflaged frogs are nocturnal. Some species are capable to change their skin color with respect to its background. However, they do not display wide range of colors.
What Are the Largest and Smallest Living Frogs in the World?| Frog Facts For Kids
Largest Frog
The largest frog in the world is Goliath Frog (Conrana goliath) and it inhabits Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon; they are also readily found in the West African waters particularly adjacent to waterfalls. It measured around 16 inches (excluding outstretched legs) in length, with the weight measuring at 6.5 pounds. Sadly speaking, the large size of goliath becomes the major cause of the population decline. Humans killed most of them since they serve an important food items in certain regions. IUCN has classified these animals as endangered species.
The largest frog in the United States and Canada is bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) reaching a size of 8 inches with extended legs. The largest toad in the world is marine toad (Bufo marinus) measuring at 5 to 6 inches in adult females, with the maximum size measures around 15 inches and weighs around 5 pounds. It is also called ‘Cane Toad’.
Smallest Frog | Frog Facts For Kids
The smallest frog in the world is little grass frog (Pseudocris ocularis) with the maximum size of no more than one inch. It lives in North America. The debate still continues among scientists regarding the smallest size of frogs as there are many species that measure less than an inch in length other than the little grass frog. One such species is Eleutherodactylus Iberia native to Cuba. It has no common name and the color ranges from dark brown to yellow stripe on each side. It measures around 10-11 mm, which is still less than a half inch. Other smallest species are Sechellophryne gardineri that grows to size of less than 13 mm (half inch) in Taiwan.
Why Do Many Frogs Have Long Legs? | Frog Facts For Kids
Of all the group of vertebrate animals, frogs are the only species that have longer hind legs and the common feature which each species share is that all have hind legs longer than the front limbs. These hind legs are normally employed for swimming and jumping. An adult bullfrog can jump numerous times its body length from a riverbank into the water.
Are Frogs Slimy?
Frogs that are found in the aquatic habitats have slimier skin than those live in the drier regions. However, many frogs have moist skin. Certain frogs tend to produce mucus which makes their skin slippery; thus they can escape from predators.
Are Some Frogs Poisonous? | Frog Facts For Kids
Many frogs tend to produce toxins that are distasteful and are produced by glands. However, no frog is known to inject venom through stingers and fangs. Therefore, some species may be poisonous but they are not venomous. The skin’s glands produce toxins serves as a great defense against predators.
Do Frogs Sleep?
For the reason that most frogs are nocturnal, they tend to sleep during daytime while closing its eyes. Many frogs may actually sleep for well over half of their lives. Many species are known to remain inactive in the underground or hiding places.
Do Frogs have Ears and Can They Hear? | Frog Facts For Kids
Nearly all frogs have ears which can be seen on the outside of the head behind the eye. They have a keen sense of hearing which is an important part of the mating process.
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