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Frog: Difference between revisions
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=== Smallest frog === | === Smallest frog === | ||
The smallest frog in the southern hemisphere is the Brazilian gold frog (''Brachycephalus didactylus'', formerly known as ''Psyllophryne didactyla''). Adult gold frogs grow to less than one centimetre (about 3/8 of an inch) with their legs drawn in. | The smallest frog in the southern hemisphere is the Brazilian gold frog (''Brachycephalus didactylus'', formerly known as ''Psyllophryne didactyla''). Adult gold frogs grow to less than one centimetre (about 3/8 of an inch) with their legs drawn in. | ||
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Recently, in 2010, a new record holder for the smallest frog in the Old World was found in Borneo and mentioned by [[Todd Wood]]<ref>[http://toddcwood.blogspot.com/2010/08/tiny-frog.html Tiny Frog] Todd's Blog. 25 August 2010. Accessed 26 August 2010</ref>. The ''Microhyla nepenthicola'' was found in a miniature pitcher plant of the ''Nepenthes ampullaria'' species. Its adult males have a snout-vent length of between 10.6 - 12.8 mm. The genus Microhylidae was first identified in 1838 and presently has about 30 known species.<ref>[http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/z02571p052f.pdf New species of Microhyla from Sarawak: Old World’s smallest frogs crawl out of miniature pitcher plants on Borneo] Das & Haas. 2010. (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae). ZooTaxa 2571:37-52. Accessed 26 August 2010</ref>. | Recently, in 2010, a new record holder for the smallest frog in the Old World was found in Borneo and mentioned by [[Todd Wood]]<ref>[http://toddcwood.blogspot.com/2010/08/tiny-frog.html Tiny Frog] Todd's Blog. 25 August 2010. Accessed 26 August 2010</ref>. The ''Microhyla nepenthicola'' was found in a miniature pitcher plant of the ''Nepenthes ampullaria'' species. Its adult males have a snout-vent length of between 10.6 - 12.8 mm. The genus Microhylidae was first identified in 1838 and presently has about 30 known species.<ref>[http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/z02571p052f.pdf New species of Microhyla from Sarawak: Old World’s smallest frogs crawl out of miniature pitcher plants on Borneo] Das & Haas. 2010. (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae). ZooTaxa 2571:37-52. Accessed 26 August 2010</ref>. | ||
=== Largest frog === | === Largest frog === | ||
The largest frog known is the African goliath frog (''Conrana goliath''). According to the ''Guinness Book of Records'', a captured goliath frog (which Guinness identifies as ''Conraua'' instead of ''Conrana'') measured 36.8 centimetres (14.5 inches with its legs extended) when captured in 1889. | The largest frog known is the African goliath frog (''Conrana goliath''). According to the ''Guinness Book of Records'', a captured goliath frog (which Guinness identifies as ''Conraua'' instead of ''Conrana'') measured 36.8 centimetres (14.5 inches with its legs extended) when captured in 1889. | ||
== Reproduction == | == Reproduction == | ||
With rare exceptions, frogs and [[toads]] have external fertilization. Frogs lay eggs yearly, usually in fresh water. Because frogs' eggs do not have shells, the frog has to lay them in moist areas. She may lay hundreds or thousands of eggs in clusters covered by a gelatinous matrix. When the eggs hatch after several days, the tailed, gilled, limbless tadpoles appear, which later turn into four-limbed adults without tails or gills. | With rare exceptions, frogs and [[toads]] have external fertilization. Frogs lay eggs yearly, usually in fresh water. Because frogs' eggs do not have shells, the frog has to lay them in moist areas. She may lay hundreds or thousands of eggs in clusters covered by a gelatinous matrix. When the eggs hatch after several days, the tailed, gilled, limbless tadpoles appear, which later turn into four-limbed adults without tails or gills. | ||
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== Ecology == | == Ecology == | ||
Frogs are largely aquatic, and feed on [[insects]], worms, small [[fish]], and other small water dwellers. Some eat other frogs and small [[rodents]]. Some frogs live on land, in trees, or in burrows. The main concern of most frogs, as with most amphibians, is moisture to stop their smooth, scale-free skin from drying out. | Frogs are largely aquatic, and feed on [[insects]], worms, small [[fish]], and other small water dwellers. Some eat other frogs and small [[rodents]]. Some frogs live on land, in trees, or in burrows. The main concern of most frogs, as with most amphibians, is moisture to stop their smooth, scale-free skin from drying out. | ||
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== Frogs in the Bible == | == Frogs in the Bible == | ||
The main reference to frogs in the [[Bible]] is in Exodus 8. This chapter begins with a description of the second plague on [[Egypt]] in response to [[Moses|Moses’]] attempt to persuade the hard-hearted Pharaoh to let God’s people go. | The main reference to frogs in the [[Bible]] is in Exodus 8. This chapter begins with a description of the second plague on [[Egypt]] in response to [[Moses|Moses’]] attempt to persuade the hard-hearted Pharaoh to let God’s people go. | ||
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== Unusual facts about frogs == | == Unusual facts about frogs == | ||
* African sedge frogs (''Hyperolius'') have adhesive toe disks that help them climb. | * African sedge frogs (''Hyperolius'') have adhesive toe disks that help them climb. | ||
* Frogs produce chemicals in their skin that include hallucinogens, glues and anti-microbials, to stop infections and to discourage other animals from eating them. [http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s1574722.htm] | * Frogs produce chemicals in their skin that include hallucinogens, glues and anti-microbials, to stop infections and to discourage other animals from eating them. [http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s1574722.htm] | ||
