We know that frogs are amphibians, capable of breathing through both their lungs and skin. However, in their tadpole stage, they live entirely underwater. Therefore, it is clear that the breathing mechanisms of frogs and tadpoles are different. So, what is the key difference?
Tadpoles have many small gills that help absorb oxygen from water through a thin membrane on their bodies.
According to American scientists sharing insights on CNN, tadpoles possess many small gills that help them absorb oxygen from the water through a thin membrane on their bodies. Occasionally, they even rise to the surface to take in oxygen from the air. As they grow, their tails gradually diminish, and as mentioned earlier, adult frogs primarily breathe through their lungs; however, their respiration is also facilitated by throat movements similar to those of tadpoles.
Frogs can breathe without needing to open their mouths. The rhythmic contractions of their throats help bring air into their lungs through their nostrils before it is expelled due to the contraction of their bodies. Although frogs primarily use their lungs for breathing on land, they can also utilize their lungs to float effortlessly on the water’s surface. Additionally, the outer layers of frog skin contain capillaries that assist in their respiration.
