Differences between Frog and Toad
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Differences between Frogs and Toads[edit]
Frogs and toads are amphibians belonging to the order Anura.[1] While the terms are often used interchangeably in common language, there are generally accepted physical and behavioral distinctions. Taxonomically, all toads are a type of frog, but not all frogs are toads.[2] The term "true toads" refers specifically to the family Bufonidae.[3] The use of "frog" commonly applies to species that are aquatic or semi-aquatic with smooth, moist skin, whereas "toad" typically refers to terrestrial species with dry, warty skin.[1] However, numerous exceptions to these general rules exist.[1]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Characteristic | Frog | Toad |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | Typically smooth and moist.[4] A layer of mucus keeps the skin permeable, allowing for absorption of water and oxygen.[5] | Usually dry, thick, and covered in bumps often mistaken for warts.[5] This thicker skin helps retain water, making them better suited for drier habitats.[5] |
| Body Shape | Generally more slender and athletic in build. | Stout, stocky, and wider-bodied. |
| Hind Legs | Long and powerful, often longer than their head and body, adapted for high jumps and swimming.[4] | Shorter and less powerful, suited for walking, crawling, or short hops. |
| Movement | Primarily leaps and jumps, using its long hind legs. | Tends to walk or take small hops rather than long leaps. |
| Parotoid Glands | Absent. | Possess large, raised parotoid glands behind the eyes. These glands secrete a milky, toxic substance called bufotoxin as a defense against predators. |
| Egg Deposition | Eggs (spawn) are laid in gelatinous clusters or masses, often underwater.[5] | Eggs are typically laid in long, parallel chains or strings, often wrapped around aquatic vegetation. |
| Tadpoles | Tadpoles are generally slimmer and may have gold flecking. The tadpole stage can be lengthy, sometimes lasting up to two years in species like the bullfrog.[5] | Tadpoles are typically black, chunky, and often form shoals. Their development is often faster, sometimes taking only a few weeks to metamorphose.[5] |
| Teeth | Most species have a row of small, cone-like teeth on their upper jaw. | True toads (family Bufonidae) are toothless.[3] |
Taxonomic Relationship[edit]
Both frogs and toads belong to the order Anura, but the common distinction does not perfectly align with scientific classification. "True frogs" are in the family Ranidae, while "true toads" belong to the family Bufonidae. A key biological marker for the Bufonidae family is the presence of a Bidder's organ, a rudimentary ovary found in males. Many species outside of the Bufonidae family are also called toads due to convergent evolution leading to toad-like characteristics, such as warty skin and a terrestrial lifestyle. Examples include fire-bellied toads (Bombinatoridae) and spadefoot toads (Pelobatidae). Conversely, some species in the toad family Bufonidae have smooth skin and are called frogs, such as the Panamanian golden frog (*Atelopus zeteki*).[1]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved January 14, 2026.
- ↑ "wildlifepreservation.ca". Retrieved January 14, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "osu.edu". Retrieved January 14, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "britannica.com". Retrieved January 14, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 "aqua.org". Retrieved January 14, 2026.
