Frog Adaptations and Ecosystem Roles

The video explores the fascinating ability of certain frog species to survive winter by freezing solid. Dr. Clara do Amaral explains the physiological adaptations, including cryoprotectants, that allow frogs to endure freezing temperatures. The research has potential implications for human organ preservation. The video also covers fieldwork methods for studying frogs and discusses the impact of climate change on their populations.

What role do frogs play in local ecosystems?

• They increase bug populations.

• They help control bug populations.

• They pollinate flowers.

• They are primary predators of birds.

What is a key adaptation that allows certain frogs to survive winter?

• Growing thicker skin.

• Freezing solid.

• Changing color to blend with snow.

• Hibernating underground.

What are cryoprotectants?

• Proteins that help frogs breathe underwater.

• Compounds that minimize damage during freezing.

• Enzymes that digest ice.

• Hormones that induce hibernation.

How might frog research benefit human medicine?

• By developing new antibiotics.

• By creating new vaccines.

• By enhancing human metabolism.

• By improving organ cryopreservation techniques.

What happens to a frog's body when it freezes?

• Its heart beats at a slower rate.

• Its organs expand and burst.

• It continues to breathe slowly.

• Water leaves the organs and pools in the body cavity.

Where can wood frogs be found?

• Only in tropical regions.

• In North America, including the Arctic Circle.

• Exclusively in deserts.

• In urban areas worldwide.

How do frogs in northern areas differ from those in southern areas?

• Northern frogs are less freeze-tolerant.

• Southern frogs are more freeze-tolerant.

• Southern frogs hibernate longer.

• Northern frogs are more freeze-tolerant.

What triggers wood frogs to wake up from their frozen state?

• Warmer temperatures and increased moisture.

• The presence of predators.

• Lack of food.

• Longer daylight hours.

How does climate change affect freeze-tolerant frogs?

• It makes them more freeze-tolerant.

• It causes them to wake up too early, depleting energy stores.

• It increases their food supply.

• It has no effect on them.

What happens if frogs wake up too early due to milder winters?

• They find abundant food.

• They migrate to warmer areas.

• They start reproducing immediately.

• They run out of energy and may die.