Virtual Museum of Canada

WATERS OF LIFE

LIFE UNDERWATER

AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES - ENVIRONMENT AND ADAPTATIONS

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Northern Leopard Frog in a marsh

Northern Leopard Frog

During the breeding season, males defend a territory. Females choose their mate by the strength of his song. Each species has a distinctive song.

Two Northern Leopard Frogs on the bank

Northern Leopard Frog

Some leopard frogs have a brown color, while others, like in this photo appear greener.

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Video of a little Northern Leopard Frog in an aquarium

VIDEO - 0 min 15 s
Frogs lay their eggs in the water. The eggs are attached to aquatic plants and form gelatinous masses.

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Video of a tadpole of Northern Leopard Frog swimming in an aquarium

VIDEO - 0 min 24 s
As they grow, the tadpoles undergo metamorphosis. First the back legs appear, then the front legs.

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Video of a dorsal view of a little Northern Leopard Frog in an aquarium

VIDEO - 0 min 10 s
The development period varies greatly between species, from a few weeks for the Northern Leopard Frog to two or three years for the Bullfrog.

Bullfrog on a branch near the water

Bullfrog

Bullfrog tadpoles have a body the size of a hen’s egg. Like the adults, Bullfrog tadpoles are the largest in North America.

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Several tadpoles in a pond

Many tadpoles in a pond

In their larval (tadpole) stage, frogs breathe through gills like a fish. They are thus exclusively aquatic.

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Video of a ventral view of a little Northern Leopard Frog in an aquarium

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Once they complete their metamorphosis, frogs can breathe either through their lungs or through their skin.

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Video of a dorsal view of a little Northern Leopard on a glass

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The lungs of amphibians are used for breathing outside the water. Amphibians are also able to exchange gases through their skin, which is supplied with small blood vessels and mucus glands that maintain humidity.

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Reflection of trees on the water in a channel

Because of this cutaneous mode of respiration, frogs are dependent on moist habitats. Their permeable skin also makes them more vulnerable to toxins, as their bodies absorb chemicals more rapidly.

Bullfrog head out of the water

Bullfrog

Since frogs are so sensitive to pollution, they are great indicators of environmental health.

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LIFE UNDERWATER

AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES