Frog

Frogs are vertebrate animals belonging to the class of amphibians (bivalves) that can live both on land and in water. It is known that there are around 5000 frog species worldwide. So, how do frogs live, what do they eat and how do they reproduce? Here are all the curiosities!

General Characteristics of Frogs

Frogs have a short body, long hind legs and a skeletal structure suitable for jumping. Their skin is usually moist and helps them breathe. Frogs can be green, brown or brightly colored depending on the environment they live in. Poisonous species are usually brightly colored. They can breathe through both their lungs and their skin. They can catch their prey quickly thanks to their sticky tongues. Their body temperature varies depending on the environment, they are cold-blooded creatures.

Where Do Frogs Live?

Frogs live near freshwater sources around the world. They are most commonly found in: Ponds, rivers and swamps, rainforests, grasslands, some frog species can even survive in deserts by hibernating.

What Do Frogs Eat?

Frogs are carnivorous animals. They usually feed on the following foods:

Adult frogs Flies, insects, spiders, worms and small molluscs.

tadpoles (larval stage): Generally herbivorous, feeding on algae and plants under water.

How do frogs reproduce?

Frogs reproduce by laying eggs. Female frogs lay hundreds or even thousands of eggs in the water. The eggs hatch tadpoles (tadpoles). These tadpoles initially breathe through gills and have a tail. As they grow, tadpoles develop hind and front legs, lose their tails and begin to live on land.

Do Frogs Hibernate?

Yes, many frog species hibernate. Their metabolism slows down in cold weather and they survive by hiding under the ground, between leaves or at the bottom of the water.

Are Frogs Poisonous?

Most frogs are harmless, but some species can carry poison on their skin. Dart frogs are among the most poisonous frogs in the world. Their bright colors show their enemies that they are poisonous. The frog species found in Turkey are generally non-poisonous and do not harm humans.

Interesting Facts About Frogs

1. Frogs catch their prey by flicking their tongues at an incredible speed of 0.07 seconds.
2. Their hearts are 3-chambered, which allows them to live both underwater and on land.
3. A frog can jump 20 times its own height.
4. Male frogs vocalize to attract females and defend their territory.
5. In the wild, frogs can live for 3-10 years, and up to 20 years in protected areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frogs

1. Do frogs hunt at night? Yes, most frogs are active at night. They move at night to hunt and find mates.
2. Is it harmful to touch frog skin? Generally no. However, the skin secretions of some species can cause irritation.
3. Can frogs be kept as pets? Yes, especially the African clawed frog and Aquarium frogs are popular species to keep as hobby pets.
4. How long can frogs live out of water? They can live on land for a long time as long as their skin stays moist, but they are endangered if they lose moisture.
5. What sounds do frogs make? Croaking is the most common frog call. Each species has a different call.
6. Do frogs give skin warts? No, frogs do not give warts. This is a common myth. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is only found in humans. The rough, wart-like bumps on the skin of frogs are just part of their natural skin structure.
7. How many frog species are there in Turkey. In Turkey. There are 37 frog species. These species include the Lowland Frog (Rana ridibunda), the Taurus Frog (Rana holtzi) and the Green Frog (Hyla arborea). As mentioned before, there are no poisonous frog species in Turkey.
8. Which species of frog is poisonous and where do they live? Poison dart frogs (family Dendrobatidae), which live mainly in Central and South America, have extremely powerful toxins. Their venom is an effective defense mechanism against their predators, and in some species it is strong enough to kill a human. For example, the Golden Arrow Frog (Phyllobates terribilis) is one of the most poisonous species known.

Frogs are the only insects in the ecosystem control and maintain natural balance. They also play an important role as biological indicators that monitor water quality. If you hear a frog in nature, it could be a sign of a healthy ecosystem.

Visit Emaar Aquarium to see the Smooth Frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis), Ornate Frog or Ornate Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys ornata) up close.