Frog adaptations help frogs survive in their environment. Some adaptations are structural that help frogs provide for themselves. Others are behavioral and help them escape from their predators.
Incredible Jumpers
Frogs are among the world’s best jumpers. Some kinds can jump 40 times their length! Their long, strong legs enable them to spring from a squat to a leap in less than a second. Their feet also help in jumping. They bend easily and are sticky. Not only does this keep them from slipping when taking off, but also enables frogs to grip landing surfaces. The frog’s hind feet are webbed, enabling them to swim fast and get away from their predators.
Bulging Eyes and nictitating eyelids
Frogs have bulging eyes that help them see enemies all around them. They close their eyelids when they leap. But don’t worry, these eyelids are nictitating (see-through) membranes so they can see underwater while the eyes are protected from water and dirt.
Frogs eyes and nostrils are located high on their heads. When they swim close to the surface of the water, only their eyes are exposed. They can quickly spot danger before danger spots them.
Sticky, Tricky Tongues
Another frog adaptation is its sticky tongue. Its tongue is attached to the front of its mouth. Frogs are very patient and wait for food to come to them. They merely flip out their sticky tongue and catch the prey. Then their tongue, just as quickly, goes back in the mouth with the meal. Gulp! The food goes to the stomach quick as a wink. When a frog swallows, its eyes sink down into its head. This helps push the food down its throat. Most frogs do not chew. They have tiny teeth that are only used for holding prey until their eyeballs push it down to their stomachs.
Breathing Skin
Frogs do not need to swallow water like humans do. They absorb moisture through their skin. They even get oxygen through their skin in addition to breathing it through their lungs. They can get moisture from burrowing into moist soil.Sometimes frogs secrete a mucus to help contain moisture in its body. This is why they are sometimes slimy.
Amazing Climbers
Tree frogs are regular little climbing machines. They use their sticky toes to cling to leaves and branches. Their toes are bendable so they can grasp even the tiniest twig. Each of their toes has a broad pad at the end that is packed with tiny bristles. So the tree frog has an extra grip for holding on to smooth leaves and tree branches. It could even climb up smooth glass!
Imagine what life would be like if we humans had frog adaptations and could play “Frog For a Day.” We could jump 40 times our height, catch lunch with a sticky tongue, and stay under water for an unlimited amount of time.
