Frogs

Frogs are amphibians in the order Anura. They typically have a short body, long hind legs adapted for jumping, webbed feet, and moist, permeable skin. Adults usually lack tails, and many species have prominent eyes. Size ranges from a few centimeters to more than 30 cm.

Most frogs spend part of their life in water. Reproduction usually begins with males producing calls to attract mates. Females lay eggs in water in clusters or strands, and in most species the eggs are fertilized externally. Eggs hatch into aquatic tadpoles that breathe with gills and have tails. Metamorphosis yields air-breathing adults with legs; some species undergo direct development, hatching as miniature adults.

Across habitats from ponds to forests and deserts, frogs are largely insectivorous as adults; larger species may prey on small vertebrates. Tadpoles are typically herbivorous or omnivorous. Frogs play roles as both predator and prey and are often indicators of environmental health.

Conservation concerns include habitat loss, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and diseases such as chytridiomycosis. Because their skin is permeable, frogs are particularly sensitive to environmental changes.

There are thousands of frog and toad species across many families, including Ranidae and Hylidae. The terms frog and toad are common names rather than strict taxonomic groups; in everyday use, toad usually refers to more terrestrial, dry-skinned species, with many exceptions.