Life cycle of frogs

Read the following text: Frogs One group of vertebrates also undergoes metamorphosis in its life cycle. These are ________, most of which lay their eggs in water and have young that look very different to the adult. An example of an ________ is the common frog, which is found in ponds all over the UK. What are the correct words to fill in the blanks?

• amphibians, amphibian

• reptiles, reptile

• mammals, mammal

• birds, bird

Answer explanation

The text describes a group of vertebrates that undergo metamorphosis, which is characteristic of amphibians. The common frog is an example of an amphibian, confirming that 'amphibians' and 'amphibian' are the correct words to fill in the blanks.

Read the following text: Frogs Adult common frogs are well adapted to life in water. They have ________ feet for swimming and eyes at the top of their heads so they can look out for prey or predators above the water, while keeping their bodies under the water. Fill in the blank.

• webbed

• clawed

• feathered

• scaled

Answer explanation

Frogs have webbed feet, which are ideal for swimming. This adaptation allows them to move efficiently in water, making 'webbed' the correct choice to fill in the blank.

Adult common frogs spend more time on land than in the water.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Adult common frogs are primarily terrestrial and only return to water for breeding. Therefore, they spend more time on land than in water, making the statement true.

What do adult common frogs use their long sticky tongues for?

• To swim faster

• To catch flies

• To breathe underwater

• To attract females

Answer explanation

Adult common frogs use their long sticky tongues primarily to catch flies, which are a significant part of their diet. This adaptation allows them to quickly snatch prey from the air.

In spring, common frogs return to ponds to lay their eggs.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

In spring, common frogs indeed return to ponds to lay their eggs, making the statement true. This behavior is part of their reproductive cycle.

Why do adult common frogs spend more time on land than in the water?

• To avoid predators

• To keep their skin from drying out

• To find food

• To lay eggs

Answer explanation

Adult common frogs spend more time on land to keep their skin from drying out. Their skin needs to remain moist for respiration, making terrestrial habitats essential for their survival.

What is the name given to the eggs laid by a female frog in water?

• Frog spawn

• Tadpoles

• Algae

• Gills

Answer explanation

The eggs laid by a female frog in water are called frog spawn. This term specifically refers to the gelatinous clusters of eggs, which later develop into tadpoles.

What do tadpoles feed on when they first hatch?

• Water fleas

• Algae

• Insects

• Jelly

Answer explanation

When tadpoles first hatch, they primarily feed on algae. This plant material provides essential nutrients for their growth and development during the early stages of their life cycle.

Fill in the blank: The jelly around frog eggs prevents the developing ______ from drying out.

• tadpoles

• fish

• larvae

• chicks

Answer explanation

The jelly surrounding frog eggs provides a protective environment that keeps the developing tadpoles moist, preventing them from drying out. Tadpoles are the larval stage of frogs, making this the correct choice.

After about how many weeks do the back limbs (legs) of a tadpole begin to grow?

• 10 weeks after hatching

• 25 weeks after hatching

• 7 weeks after hatching

• 2 weeks after hatching

Answer explanation

Tadpoles typically begin to grow their back limbs around 5 to 6 weeks after hatching. This marks a significant stage in their metamorphosis into frogs.