Frog: The amphibian that breathes through its skin

The frog is the best-known little singer at the pond and a very special animal: it can live in water and on land — a true "amphibian". Let's meet it.

Its body

A frog's skin is thin and moist and can exchange gases directly with the air — meaning part of its "breathing" happens through its skin. That sensitive skin also makes frogs especially vulnerable to pollution, so where frogs thrive, the environment is often healthier; this is why frogs are called "indicator animals". A frog also has a pair of large eyes that help it swallow: each blink pushes the eyeball down and shoves the food towards its throat.

Where it lives and how it breeds

Frogs are carnivores, eating insects, spiders and other small invertebrates. In the breeding season, males inflate their vocal sacs and sing loudly to attract females. Many frogs lay their eggs in water; the eggs hatch into tadpoles, which slowly grow legs and lose their tails before becoming frogs — one of the most magical transformations in nature.

Where it is found

Frogs live all over the world (except the polar regions and some islands). They mostly inhabit the edges of water, grassy places and damp spots in forests. Because their skin is so sensitive, habitat loss and water pollution are serious threats.

A note for grown-ups

You could sit quietly by a pond with a child, listen to the frogs and guess how many are singing. Remind your child that watching a small animal is fine, but do not grab it or take it home — letting it live in its own home is the best way to be together.