What Adaptations Permit the Frog to Live on Land and in Water?


Quick Answer

One of the adaptations that allow frogs to live on land and in water is their permeable skin, which allows them to absorb water from their surroundings. However, if the frogs are trapped away from water for a significant length of time, this may cause them to desiccate. To help prevent this from happening, frogs produce a mucus coat, which retards the rate of evaporation.

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Full Answer

Additionally, the life cycle of frogs depends on them living in the water and on land. Most frog species deposit their eggs in the water. Shortly after deposition, the eggs hatch into the larval form of frogs, which is called the tadpole stage. Tadpoles are completely aquatic organisms that use gills to extract oxygen from the water. As they grow and develop, tadpoles gradually lose their tails and sprout legs. Eventually, their gills disappear and they begin breathing atmospheric oxygen.

Frogs have strong legs that are well suited for aquatic and terrestrial locomotion. While on land, most frogs leap or hop, when in the water, frogs use their powerful rear legs to propel themselves forward. Frogs also have webbed feet that help them to swim fast, but these cause no great hardship for terrestrial locomotion.

Frogs have eyes located on the top of their heads. This allows them to see their prey whether they are in the water or on dry land.

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