Frog Life Cycle and Development Vocabulary

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to the frog life cycle, development, and metamorphosis, including key terms and their definitions.

Egg

A fertilized ovum from which a new organism develops, often associated with frog spawn.

Frogspawn

A mass of eggs laid by frogs, often resembling jelly.

Embryo

The early stage of development of a fertilized egg.

Hatching

The process by which an embryo breaks out of its egg.

Tadpole

The larval stage of a frog, typically aquatic with a tail.

Larval stage

The phase of early growth from egg to tadpole.

Aquatic stage

The developmental phase spent in water, usually as a tadpole.

Gills

Organs used for breathing in aquatic environments.

Tail

The posterior appendage of the tadpole, used for swimming.

Growth

The process of development and increase in size.

Feeding

The act of consuming food for nourishment.

Metamorphosis

The biological process of transformation from tadpole to frog.

Hind legs

The back limbs of the frog, developed during later stages.

Limb development

The process of forming legs and limbs in the developing frog.

Forelimbs

The front legs of the frog, developed as it matures.

Lung development

The transition to air-breathing structures as the frog matures.

Shrinking tail

The reduction in size of the tail as the frog undergoes metamorphosis.

Froglet

A young frog that is in the transitional stage of development.

Juvenile frog

A developing frog that has undergone a metamorphosis but is not yet an adult.

Adult frog

A fully grown frog that has reached maturity.

Maturity

The state of being fully developed and capable of reproduction.

Reproduction

The biological process of producing offspring.

Courtship

Behavioral interactions between frogs during mating initiation.

External fertilization

A reproductive process where fertilization occurs outside the female body.

Life cycle

The series of changes in the life of an organism from birth to reproduction.

Natural process

Biological or ecological processes that occur in nature.

Habitat

The natural environment in which an organism lives.

Pond

A small water body that serves as a habitat for aquatic life.

Aquatic environment

A water-based habitat supporting various forms of life.

Emerging

The process of coming out from a dormant or hidden state.

Transition

The process of moving from one state or condition to another.

Mortality

The rate of death in a particular population.

Survival

The continuation of life despite environmental challenges.

Developmental stage

The specific phase within the growth process of an organism.

Transformation stage

The phase of significant change during the life cycle.

Circulatory change

Changes in the blood flow pattern as an organism matures.

Breeding season

The period during which organisms engage in reproductive activities.

Egg-laying

The process of depositing eggs, also known as spawning.

Clutch

A group or batch of eggs laid at one time.

Life span

The length of time an organism is expected to live.

Molting

The shedding of skin as an organism grows.

Adaptation

The process by which an organism becomes better suited to its environment.

Growth hormones

Chemicals that regulate and promote development and growth.