These Frogs Hide Thanks to Transparent Skin

Glass frogs have unique translucent bellies that serve as a form of camouflage. Despite their see-through appearance, which seems like an invitation to predators, their translucency helps them blend into their environment. A study published in PNAS demonstrated that the frogs' translucent undersides allow the color of the leaves they sit on to shine through, effectively camouflaging them. This technique, called edge diffusion, makes it difficult for predators to spot them. Experiments with gelatin frogs confirmed that translucent frogs are less likely to be eaten by predators. This study highlights a unique form of camouflage distinct from other known methods.

What did researchers discover about the effectiveness of opaque versus translucent frogs in their study?

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In what way does the translucency of glass frogs contribute to their survival against predators?

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