Frogs and Toads Toads Toads have dry warty skin Generally found in drier climates Stubby bodies with short hind legs Parotid poison glands behind the eyes Lay eggs in chains Pelobatidae and Scaphiopodidae ID: 767662
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Frogs and Toads
Toads Toads have dry, warty skinGenerally found in drier climates Stubby bodies with short hind legsParotid (poison) glands behind the eyesLay eggs in chains
Pelobatidae and Scaphiopodidae Spadefoot toads Burrowing toadsHardened protrusion on their foot for diggingVery quick metamorphic stage – 2 weeks!Tadpoles are cannibalistic to speed up metamorphosis Native to Europe, W. Asia, and N. Africa
http://asm.wku.edu/froglogger/default.html
Bombinatoridae - Fire-bellied toads Brightly colored ventral sides – highly toxic to predators!!Aquatic toadsUnken reflex - the animal will arch its back and limbs to expose the bright bellyLay pigmented eggs in pondsNative to northeastern asia
Bufonidae - The TRUE Toads All members of their family possess toad-like characteristics Occur on every continent except Australia and AntarticaInhabit a variety of environmentsMale toads possess a Bidder’s organ – generally inactive, but become an active ovary!!
http://bioweb.wku.edu/froglogger/
Frogs Two bulging eyesStrong, long, webbed hind feet designed for jumping and swimmingSmooth and slimy skinLay eggs in clusters
Ascaphus - The Tailed Frogs – Wait a minute…what?!!? Mostly aquatic Tail is an extension of the cloaca – only found in malesMinimizes sperm loss in turbulent watersUse internal fertilization (other frogs and toads use external) Primitive frogs – greater number of vertebrae, lack the ability to vocalize, and possess free ribs Found in North America
Dendrobatidae - Poison Dart Frogs Arboreal and terrestrialNative to Central and South America Brightly colored bodies to exhibit toxicity to predatorsUsed to tip dartsPiggy-back tadpoles once they hatchExhibit parental care
Medical Application Nerve toxins affecting the nervous system and heart activityMuscle relaxants, heart stimulants, and appetite supressants Skin may be 200 times more potent than morphine!One species has enough poison to kill ten men!
Centrolenidae – Really cool Glass FrogsColoration primarily lime green The internal organs, including the heart, liver, and gastrointestinal tract are visible through this translucent skin
Hylidae – Tree Frog Live in a variety of habitats including semi-aquatic, terrestrial, and arborealPronounced forward eyesAdhesive pads on the toes and fingers Come in all different colors!!
http://bioweb.wku.edu/froglogger/
Ranidae – The TRUE frogs The widest distribution of any frog familyOccurs in all continents except Antarctica Large, powerful legs and extensive webbing on their feetMany are aquatic and most live close to the waterSome are arboreal and burrowersOccur in all sizes – largest frog in the world is the Goliath frog
http://asm.wku.edu/froglogger/default.html
Why are frog species important? Frogs are keystone species. A keystone species plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.Because they are sensitive to changes in the environment, they may suffer from huge increases in mortality. Can help to determine the overall health of an ecosystem.
Why are frog species important? Invaluable tool for studying body systems.Dissections on frogs can be used to compare to other vertebratesImportant source of foodFrog legs – taste like chicken? Medicinal purposesPoison dart frogs