New Delhi: The terms ‘frog’ and ‘toad’ are often used interchangeably by the common man. These amphibians (Greek for ‘dual-life’) have a lot in common—short, rigid bodies, broad heads, two front and two hind limbs. It is easy to see how one could confuse the two distinct species.
Frogs of the order Anura and toads belonging to the order Bufonidae also have other similarities—both hatch from eggs and become tadpoles with gills. The adults breathe through their lungs and skin.
However, there are several key differences between the two. Let us learn about these differences.
Differences between Toads and Frogs
Physical differences
The texture of a frog or toad’s skin is usually an indicator of the species. While frogs tend to have shiny, smooth skin, toads are generally spotty and dry-looking, most famously sporting warts. This is due to the habitat of these creatures – frogs spend most of their time in or near a water body, causing their sleek skin, while toads, inhabiting burrows, have drier skin for this reason. However, there are exceptions, with some frogs living primarily on land, having rough, lumpy skin, and some toads possessing smooth skin.
Habitat
As stated previously, frogs prefer to stay near the water because their skin is highly susceptible to losing moisture, which may cause it to stop absorbing oxygen. On the other hand, toads’ skin is waterproof, which helps it stay drier for long periods. They are often found in the grass or on roads.
Tadpoles
After evolving into tadpoles from the previous spawn stage (eggs), frog tadpoles appear to be slimmer, while toad tadpoles are thicker, much like their adult forms. They remain this way for about 1-3 months until they begin developing limbs and become more discernible from each other.
Body Movements
Frogs are known for their ability to hop, while toads, usually more stout, shuffle about in the undergrowth. Frogs’ long and skinny legs enable them to make giant leaps, as the tendons in their legs act like springs, propelling them to heights of over 5 metres. Toad legs are shorter and built to help them walk great distances.
However, there are a few exceptions for this feature as well. Many frogs have short legs and prefer to walk rather than jump. Sometimes, they inflate themselves and float on the surface of the water. A species of Sumatran toad, called the slender-legged toad, makes its way about by hopping from place to place.
Did you know that frogs and toads are two different species? Though often thought to be synonyms for the minuscule creatures hopping about after a downpour, frogs and toads are the same creatures. Let’s delve into the similarities and differences between these fascinating amphibians. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
