50 Cute And Funny Photos That May Show You A Different Side To These Critters

There are about 7,000 frog and toad species on Earth, and they have existed for more than 200 million years, at least as long as dinosaurs!

The goliath frog of West Africa is the world's largest frog, reaching 15 inches (38 centimeters) and weighing up to 7 pounds (3.2 kilograms).

One of the smallest is the Cuban tree toad, which is only half an inch long.

Every animal in Earth's different ecosystems contributes significantly to the maintenance of equilibrium.

Throughout their lives, frogs play an important role in the food chain as predators and prey. They not only reduce insect populations, but also provide food for birds, fish, and reptiles.

Furthermore, their presence helps manage algal growth throughout the tadpole stage, avoiding overgrowth and preserving water quality.

They've adapted to survive in harsh weather conditions. Frogs, like all amphibians, are cold-blooded, which means their body temperature varies according on the temperature of their surroundings.

When the temperature drops, some frogs burrow underground or in the mud at the bottom of ponds. They hibernate in these burrows until spring, remaining motionless and barely breathing.

They've adapted to survive in harsh weather conditions. Frogs, like all amphibians, are cold-blooded, which means their body temperature varies according on the temperature of their surroundings.

When the temperature drops, some frogs burrow underground or in the mud at the bottom of ponds. They hibernate in these burrows until spring, remaining motionless and barely breathing.

Frogs make tremendous contributions to human progress. According to some estimates, study on these incredible species has contributed to nearly 10% of Nobel Prizes in physiology and medicine.

For example, their skin secretions have enormous medicinal promise, with molecules like Epibatidine, obtained from poison dart frogs, 200 times more powerful than morphine.

However, amphibians are the most vulnerable vertebrate group on the planet, with the IUCN estimating that up to 40% of their species are at risk of extinction.

This means that many frog species are on the verge of extinction and require human intervention to survive.

According to the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, some of the most serious threats to amphibians include habitat loss and degradation, pollution, disease, invasive species, commerce, and climate change.

For more, see our post 50 Adorable And Funny Frog Pictures to Make Your Day Better.