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Pseudis paradoxa, known as the paradoxical frog or shrinking frog, is a species of hylid frog from South America. [2] Its name refers to the very large—up to 27 cm (11 in) long— tadpole (the world's longest), which in turn "shrinks" during metamorphosis into an ordinary-sized frog, only about a quarter or third of its former length.
Anatomy of a wood frog tadpole (Lithobates sylvaticus) As a frog tadpole matures it gradually develops its limbs, with the back legs growing first and the front legs second. The tail is absorbed into the body using apoptosis. Lungs develop around the time as the legs start growing, and tadpoles at this stage will often swim to the surface and ...
Pseudis is a genus of South American frogs (swimming frogs) in the family Hylidae. [1] They are often common and frequently heard, but easily overlooked because of their camouflage and lifestyle, living in lakes, ponds, marshes and similar waters with extensive aquatic vegetation, often sitting at the surface among plants or on floating plants, but rapidly diving if disturbed.
Tadpoles probably spend most of their time attached to such substrates by a large oral sucker. The large, sucker-like mouth parts of the tadpoles are a second distinctive feature of the species, enabling survival in turbulent water unsuitable for other frogs. They prefer turbulent water to smooth, swiftly flowing water. [16]
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]
The amount of entrained water the frog can ingest is related to its ability to actively increase its body volume. The frog's buccopharyngeal cavity (the cavity connecting the mouth and the pharynx) is very distensible and can expand substantially. It uses its entire trunk to rapidly enlarge the cavity, which expands into the lower end of the trunk.
Frog appears to have been adapted from frosc as part of this trend. [11] Meanwhile, the word toad, first attested as Old English tādige, is unique to English and is likewise of uncertain etymology. [14] It is the basis for the word tadpole, first attested as Middle English taddepol, apparently meaning 'toad-head'. [15]
The tadpole has no nostrils. These tadpoles have small mouths that are terminal. Their upper lips are large, fleshy and cover the oral cavity. They also lack horny mouthparts. These tadpoles are nearly uniform pale brown with additional pigmentation. [4] These frogs will cautiously exit the burrow at dusk to begin their foraging.