Mesobatrachia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mesobatrachia |
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| Rhinophrynus dorsalis | |
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Batrachia
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Mesobatrachia
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Megophryidae |
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Mesobatrachia is a special group of frogs and toads. They are a suborder of amphibians, which means they are a smaller group within the larger frog family called Anura. This group includes 6 different families, with about 20 types of genera (groups of closely related species) and 168 known species.
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What are Mesobatrachia?
The name "Mesobatrachia" comes from words that mean "middle" and "frog." This name suggests that these frogs are moderately old in terms of their evolutionary history. Even though their name sounds old, scientists only officially identified Mesobatrachia as a distinct group in 1993. This makes them a relatively newer group in the world of frog classification.
Families of Mesobatrachia
The Mesobatrachia suborder includes six main families of frogs and toads. Each family has its own unique features and lives in different parts of the world. These families are:
- Megophryidae: Often called "litter frogs" or "leaf-litter toads." They are found in Asia.
- Pelobatidae: Known as "European spadefoot toads." They are good at burrowing.
- Pelodytidae: These are the "parsley frogs." They are small and live in Europe and parts of Asia.
- Scaphiopodidae: These are "American spadefoot toads." They use a hard spade-like growth on their feet to dig.
- Rhinophrynidae: This family has only one species, the Mexican burrowing toad. It is very round and also burrows.
- Pipidae: These are "tongueless frogs." They live in water and are found in South America and Africa.
Many frogs in the Mesobatrachia group are known for their ability to burrow. This means they can dig into the ground to hide from predators or to escape hot, dry weather. They often have special adaptations, like strong legs or spade-like feet, that help them dig.
Where do Mesobatrachia Live?
Mesobatrachia frogs and toads live in many different places around the world. You can find them in parts of Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Africa. Their habitats can vary greatly, from dry, sandy areas where they burrow, to ponds and rivers where they spend most of their lives in water.
Life Cycle of Mesobatrachia
Like other amphibians, Mesobatrachia frogs go through a life cycle that includes different stages. They usually start as eggs laid in water. These eggs hatch into tadpoles, which are aquatic larvae. Tadpoles live in water and breathe with gills. As they grow, they slowly change into adult frogs, developing legs and lungs. Once they are adults, they can live on land or in water, depending on their species.
See also
In Spanish: Mesobatrachia para niños
