Page 167 - Design in Nature

Design and Creation 165

Miracles of Reproduction in Frogs
Many suppose that frogs multiply through hatching eggs and
developing “tadpoles”. However, there are many other types of frog
reproduction of which some are quite surprising.
Frogs have been created with traits that enable them to survive in a
variety of environments. Therefore, they can live in every continent apart
from Antarctica; there are species of frogs living in deserts, forests, meadows
and the Himalayas and Andes, where altitudes exceed 16,500 feet (5000
metres). The densest populations are scattered throughout the tropical
regions. Approximately forty species of frogs have been identified within a
0.8 square mile (2 square kilometre) piece of rain forest.
In some species of frogs, only males care for the newly born, whereas in
others only females do or both partners do. For example, males of the “dart-
poison frog” of Costa Rica keep watch, waiting for the eggs to hatch, for up
to 10-12 days. Through great efforts, the newly born tadpoles climb and hold
on to the back of the mother so tightly that they appear to have been welded
on. Then the mother climbs onto a bromeliad in the forest. The flowers of
this tree are shaped like goblets pointing skyward, and are filled with water.
The mother releases the newly born frogs into these flowers, where they
grow safely.
Since there is no food in these waters, the mother frequently lays
unfertilised eggs in the flowers for the newly born frogs. The tadpoles feed
on these eggs, which are rich in protein and carbohydrates. 56
The “gladiator frog” is
another species that defends the
area in which are the eggs. The
males of these frogs have been
created with pin-like extensions
under their thumbs, with which
they rip the skin off an intruder
male.
The male small African toad
(Nectophyrne afra) constructs