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Frogs
The frog is an amphibian in the order Anura, meaning "tail-less", from the Greek an
(without) and oura (tail).
Adult frogs are characterised by long hind legs, a short body, webbed digits, protruding eyes
and the absence of a tail. Most frogs have a semi-aquatic lifestyle, but move easily on land by
jumping or climbing. They typically lay their eggs in puddles, ponds or lakes, and their larvae,
called tadpoles, have gills and develop in water. Adult frogs follow a carnivorous diet, mostly
of arthropods, annelids and gastropods. Frogs are most noticeable by their call, which can be
widely heard during the night or day, mainly in their mating season.
The distribution of frogs ranges from tropic to subarctic regions, but most species are found
in tropical rainforests. Consisting of more than 5,000 species described, they are among the
most diverse groups of vertebrates. However, populations of certain frog species are
significantly declining.
Famous Frogs
Frogs feature prominently in folklore and fairy tales in many cultures, such as the story of
The Frog Prince, up to modern-day popular culture. Pop culture tends to portray frogs as
benign, but ugly, and often clumsy, but also with hidden talents.
Michigan J. Frog, featured in a Warner Brothers cartoon, will only perform his singing and
dancing routine for his owner. Once another person looks at him, he will return to a froglike pose, and begin calling.
The Frog Prince is a fairytale of a frog who turns into a handsome prince once kissed.
Slippy Toad, a character from the Star Fox series of computer games, is a talented mechanic,
but mediocre pilot, who often ends up needing to be rescued by his team mates.
Kermit the Frog, on the other hand, is a conscientious and disciplined character of Sesame
Street and The Muppet Show; while openly friendly and greatly talented, he is often
portrayed as cringing at the fanciful behaviour of more flamboyant characters.