Fun Facts about Frogs

Hello young explorers!

Today, let's dive into the magical world of froggy families and discover the incredible ways they have babies! 🐸✨

 

Froggy Hugs in Amplexus:

Imagine a froggy hug! Most frogs fertilize their eggs outside the mommy frog's tummy. The daddy frog gives the mommy a special hug called amplexus, wrapping his arms around her waist.

As she lays eggs, he magically fertilizes them. This huggy dance can last for hours, and some froggy couples stay connected for four whole months! That's a super long froggy hug!

 

Marsupial Frogs with Pouches:

Meet the marsupial frogs – they're like kangaroos but much smaller! These clever frogs keep their eggs safe in a special pouch.

When the eggs turn into tadpoles, the mommy frog uses her toes to open the pouch, and tadpoles happily splash into the water, ready for a big adventure!

 

Suriname Toad's Back-Babysitting:

In South America, there's a special toad named Pipa pipa. After a toad-tastic date, the eggs sink into the toad mommy's back! A cozy skin pad forms over them, and soon you can see baby frogs wiggling inside their comfy pockets.

They take their time to peek out, first their little heads and then their tiny froggy legs, making an epic entrance into the world!

 

Gastric Brooding Frog's Tummy Surprise:

Now, let's talk about the amazing gastric brooding frog from Australia.

This supermom swallows her eggs, and guess what? The tadpoles hang out in her tummy for up to eight weeks!

Don't worry, the mommy frog stops her stomach from making digestive juices, so she won't accidentally digest her little ones.

When it's time to meet the world, the baby frogs hop out of her mouth – a froggy surprise indeed!

 

Darwin Frogs: Dads with a Special Talent:

In the family of Darwin frogs, it's the daddy frog who has a special talent. He swallows and keeps the tadpoles safe in his vocal sac until they're ready to become little frogs.

It's like a dad carrying a backpack filled with baby frogs until they're big enough to hop around on their own!

So there you have it, young explorers!

Frogs have the coolest ways of having babies, from huggy dances to pouch adventures and even surprising tummy tales.

Next time you see a frog, remember the incredible froggy families and the magical ways they bring new little hoppers into the world! 🌈🐸✨

 

Source: https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/frogs-a-chorus-of-colors/frog-fun-facts