Midwife Toads

The Iberian midwife toad plays a unique role in nurturing its young. During the mating season from September to March, the male fertilizes the eggs and carries them on his back. He ensures the eggs remain safe, dark, and moist until they can be released into water. This care is crucial for the eggs' survival, and once water is found, the tadpoles hatch and are released. The male's protective role gives the species its name, the midwife toad.

During which months does the Iberian midwife toad's mating season peak?

• September and October

• October and November

• November and December

• December and January

What does the male midwife toad do after fertilizing the eggs?

• Carries them on its back

• Leaves them in the water

• Buries them in the ground

• Gives them to the female

Approximately how many eggs does the male midwife toad transport at one time?

• 250

• 180

• 100

• 50

What conditions must the male midwife toad maintain for the eggs?

• Bright and airy

• Warm and dry

• Cold and wet

• Safe, dark, and moist

What event allows the tadpoles to finally wriggle free?

• The sun warms the eggs

• The female toad returns

• The eggs hatch on land

• The male toad finds water