AMERICAN BULLFROG

Untitled Slide

• Kingdom-Animalia
• Phylum-Chordata
• Class-Amphibians
• Order-Anura

CHARACTERISTICS OF AMPHIBIANS

• Cold-blooded
• Have a backbone
• Spend part of their lives in water and on land
• Have permeable skim
• Many go through metamorphosis

The American bullfrog's scientific name is Lithobates catesbeianus. To reproduce, the male uses the mating grasp, or amplexus, to hold the female. The female then drops her eggs in the water as the male releases sperm.

American bullfrogs live near water. They're often found by lakes. They're native to North America, but can also be found in Europe and Asia.

ADAPTATIONS

• Greenish brown skin color used for camouflage
• Hind legs can reach 7-10 inches, making them jump farther
• Strong tongue used for catching prey

I chose this amphibian because I think frogs are interesting, and this frog's name caught my attention.

THREE THINGS I LEARNED

• They can survive up to ten years in the wild.
• Females are often larger than males.
• Tadpoles are herbivores, and adults are carnivores.

Metamorphosis is the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages. Bullfrogs stay tadpoles for around three years, living in the water and growing lungs and legs. They lose their gills. Finally, they hop onto land.

Amphibians are important for many reasons. They keep our insect levels low. In some countries, their body parts can be used for medicine. They are also important predators to invertebrates.