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Characteristics of a Frog That Make it a Living Creature

Frogs are amphibians and are one of the most diverse groups of vertebrates, with over 4,810 species known worldwide. They are characterized by their remarkable jumping abilities, webbed digits, small bodies, protruding eyes, nonexistent tails, vibrant colors and disproportionately large hind legs. When you see a frog lash its sticky tongue out to catch a bug, it is obvious that it is alive. There are many specific features of frogs that are necessary for frogs to live and pass on their genes.

Feeding
- Frogs need to sustain their energy levels, growth and body heat. There is only one way to do this and that is to feed. Most frogs are carnivorous, and live entirely off of a bug diet consisting of things such as moths, spiders and grasshoppers.
Movement
- There are two types of movement that need to be happening to consider a frog alive. Internal movement is on a micro level, and it represents the ability to move substances, such as oxygen or hemoglobin, from one place in the body to another. External movement is on a macro level, and it represents the ability to make conscious, large-scale movement, such as jumping from one rock to another, or swimming.
Excretion
- A living frog will need to remove waste from its body. Indigestible solid waste is removed by bowel movements, and liquid toxins are cleared from the body by urination. Excretion is also taking place when a frog breathes out carbon dioxide.
Sensitivity
- Frogs have various senses that help them react to the environment around them. Their eyes, nose, ears, skin and tongue all help the frog become aware and sensitive to its environment. This helps the frog avoid predators, while enabling it to catch its pray. People can witness a frog's sensitivity in many ways, such as watching the frog run from the heat and light of a forest fire. Frogs also can taste the poison in some bugs before swallowing, preventing them from getting sick.
Growth
- Tadpoles are hatchlings from the eggs of a frog. They live exclusively in the water and look like small fish. They have no legs, and in no way resemble their frog parents; however, they don't stay that way forever; after a short time they soon grow into small frogs themselves. If they continue eating, they gain more energy and quickly become big enough to restart the cycle all over again. Growth is an important characteristic in a living frog.
Reproduction
- All living things need to reproduce in order to sustain life. Frogs are no different. If they stopped reproducing, their entire species would die off.

Animals & Science