WHY STOP AT
LITTLE
IN THE POND
ONE?
MIRACLES
A frog seldom comes alone—and that applies
especially to the common frog (Rana temporaria),
which is native to Europe and Asia. One reason
is the species’ incredible fertility: The female
deposits a large clump of eggs that may be up
to 4,500 strong. The eggs are surrounded by a
gelatinous mass that in addition to providing
protection also works like a magnifying
glass to increase the sun’s warmth,
helping the eggs hatch.Frog larvae are called tadpoles.
Among their remarkable qualities
is their ability to regrow a tail or
lost limb with the help of a gene
that’s no longer present in
warm-blooded animals.May 2020 12 ideasanddiscoveries.com