sammakot

Sammakot, or frogs, are amphibians in the order Anura. Adult frogs typically have no tail, a broad body, moist skin, and long hind legs adapted for jumping. They undergo metamorphosis from eggs laid in water to air-breathing adults.

Across many families, including Ranidae (true frogs) and Bufonidae (true toads), frogs vary greatly in size, color, and habitat adaptations. Most species have webbed feet and vocal sacs in males used to produce mating calls.

Frogs inhabit a wide range of environments, from tropical rainforests to temperate wetlands and deserts, though they generally require standing or slow-flowing water for reproduction. They are found on most continents except Antarctica.

Reproduction is typically tied to water. Females lay eggs in gelatinous masses or strings; fertilization is usually external. Tadpoles develop in water, usually with gills and a tail; metamorphosis leads to juvenile frogs. Some species exhibit direct development, skipping the free-living tadpole stage.

Diet mostly consists of invertebrates; larger species may eat small vertebrates. Tadpoles are often herbivorous or omnivorous. Frogs play important roles as predators and prey, and can be sensitive indicators of environmental health.

Conservation status varies widely. Many species face threats from habitat loss, pollution, climate change, disease such as chytridiomycosis, and invasive species. Frogs are monitored as bioindicators due to their permeable skin and aquatic life cycles.