Page 24 - North Haven Magazine Issue 23 Spring 2022

Let’s Leap into
by Sally Brockett
Frogs must maintain moisture to absorb oxygen, so they do not have scales like a reptile.
Learning about
Although toads seem to have dry skin, there is a coating of moisture, but it is much
less obvious compared to frogs.
THE GROUP KNOWN AS “FROGS”

group, or ‘order’ is commonly known as “frogs” and includes toads. So, a toad is in
and Toads There are 3,500 species of frogs and they are the best known of all amphibians. This
the ‘order’ of frogs but differs from what we think of as frogs. Let’s look at how this
large group of frogs, including toads, bring benefit to humans and our ecology.
WITHOUT FROGS
ou know spring has arrived when you hear the BENEFITS WITHIN NATURE WITH FROGS Predators may starve without
Predators have sufficient food
Yspring peepers singing as the sun goes down Food Webs sources, supporting entire eco- sufficient food, which will have a
and the stars comes out. You may also hear the deep systems and the supply of human ripple effect and potentially lead to
croak of the American bullfrog or the short melodic food sources as well. endangered species.
trill of the gray tree frog. There are eleven frogs and Frogs feed on bugs, insects, and
toads in Connecticut, though a few of these are being other critters that often carry Disease carriers may become over-
monitored or in jeopardy due to decreasing popula- Pest and Disease diseases, pathogens, parasites, and populated, which can cause a rise
in the transmission of the carried
Control
tions. Many people enjoy frogs and toads but may much more, lowering the chances pathogens and illnesses
not be aware of their value to humans and our eco- of transmission.
system. What is their life like and why are these little
amphibians important to us? Water bodies may become stagnant
Hygienic Tadpoles feed on algae and plant
THE HISTORY OF FROGS Waterways life, keeping aquatic spaces clean. or overgrown with algae, affecting
the surrounding species.
The history of frogs is very interesting. Though they
may appear soft and fragile, fossils indicate a frog-
like animal existed 240 million years ago during the Source: https://toadsnfrogs.com/why-frogs-important/
Triassic period. These ancient frogs differed in the Frogs not only are a benefit to nature, but they benefit humans in a variety of ways.
number of vertebrae in their spinal column and tail
but were the predecessors to frogs seen today. During BENEFITS FOR HUMANITY WITH FROGS WITHOUT FROGS
the Jurassic period, 203-146 million years ago, frogs’
skeletons evolved into the structure that we see today Humans can gain insight into the
based on the fossil remains found from that period. environment’s overall condition by Humans may not be aware of
Bioindicators studying frogs, allowing time for environmental problems before it
THE AMPHIBIOUS LIFESTYLE proactive measures or adaptations. is too late.
The amphibious lifestyle of frogs and toads requires
them to have adaptations for life in the water and for
Humans may not find potential
living on land. Both frogs and toads lay their eggs Medical Frogs’ skin secretions are beneficial cures and treatments for illnesses,
within the pharmaceutical field
in water and the larval, or tadpole, stage is spent in Advancements and may be useful for treating or or it may take much longer to de-
the water. This requires the use of gills for respiration preventing various illnesses. velop and test artificial treatments.
until they develop lungs that enable them to live on
land. Tadpoles use their tails for propulsion through Source: https://toadsnfrogs.com/why-frogs-important/
the water, and gradually develop legs for use on land. FROG CONSERVATION.
Frogs continue to spend time in the water and use Even though frogs have been on earth for millions of years, and have survived all
their webbed feet for swimming. Toads spend their sorts of disasters, they are sensitive and very vulnerable creatures that need pro-
adult life on land, and most do not have webbed feet. tection to assure their continued survival. Frog conservation is a critical topic and

Both frogs and toads return to the water to lay their should be taught to children and adults so they understand how they can contrib-
ute to assisting their survival. There are some simple steps you can take to create a
eggs. Their eggs do not have a hard protective shell frog-friendly habitat in your own yard. Here are some suggestions.
so the jelly-like mass must be under water to avoid
drying out. The skin of the adult frogs and toads A small frog pond with some trees nearby provides water and shade for
them. The trees may attract tree frogs as well.

Use only safe products to control pests so frogs and toads are not killed.
Plant native plants that provide shelter and food for the frogs. The frogs will
eat the insects that are attracted to plant material.

Keep pets away from frogs. They may kill the frogs, and pets can be exposed
American bullfrog sits motionless on a lily pad. to toxins from the amphibian’s skin.

North Haven Magazine - Spring Issue 2022
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