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A tadpole or polliwog (also spelled pollywog) is the larval stage in the biological life cycle of an amphibian. Most tadpoles are fully aquatic, though some species of amphibians have tadpoles that are terrestrial. Tadpoles have some fish-like features that may not be found in adult amphibians such as a lateral line, gills and swimming tails.
Tadpoles have been found in a stream surrounded by farm bush vegetation, without any trees growing on the riverbanks. The tadpoles were found near the riverbank, hiding in the sandy mud or between stones. [6] Cardioglossa pulchra can be common during the breeding season.
Tadpoles of N. degiustoi constitute the oldest tadpoles found as of 2024, dating back to 168–161 million years ago. These tadpoles also showed adaptations for filter-feeding, implying residence in temporary pools by filter-feeding larvae was already commonplace. [37] The evolution of modern Anura likely was complete by the Jurassic period.
The female lays about 3,000 to 4,000 eggs at a time. The tadpoles hatch, and after two days, start feeding on vegetation, small fish, invertebrates, and even each other. Defending males continue to watch over the tadpoles, which metamorphose within three weeks. During the tadpole's development, the father guards his young.
Tadpoles hatch from these small black and white eggs about 36 hours later; [4] they are only around six millimetres long and feed by filter-feeding. [6] Tadpoles undergo metamorphosis into yellow juveniles and this stage is completed around 45 days after the eggs were laid.
Tadpoles of the species are mainly black, with a brown body, brown underside of head, and a mostly white tail. There are two long pale marks on the lower back, and the tail has darks bands near the front. Tadpoles have a maximum length of 5.2 cm (2.0 in), of which one-half to two-thirds is the tail.
The loss of some tadpoles in the metamorphosis from tadpole to frog is a unique feature of R. darwinii. This observation is likely explained by these hypotheses: The tadpoles that did not survive were converted into nutrition for the foster male and he digested them. [13] The tadpoles died in the vocal sac of the foster male.
The tadpole of this species is considered unpalatable to many species that would commonly predate on tadpoles. They also exhibit behaviors to avoid predation. To avoid fish, the tadpoles will move to stream margins in order to make them inaccessible to the fish. The tadpoles will also reduce activity after sensing a fish's chemical cues. [21]