frogspawn
Definition
Frogspawn is the gelatinous mass of eggs that frogs lay. Frogspawn is typically green or black in colour and is made up of thousands of individual eggs. The eggs in frogspawn are attached to each other by a sticky substance called mucus. This helps to keep the eggs together and protects them from predators.
The number of eggs in a frogspawn can vary depending on the species of frog. Some frogs lay only a few dozen eggs, while others can lay thousands. The size of the frogspawn also varies depending on the species. Some frogspawn is only a few centimetres in diameter, while others can be several centimetres across.
Frogspawn is typically laid in shallow water, such as ponds, lakes, and streams. The water temperature and quality are important factors for successful frogspawn development. The eggs will hatch into tadpoles in a few weeks. Tadpoles are small, aquatic creatures that have tails and gills. They live in the water and eat algae.
As tadpoles grow, they lose their tails and develop lungs. They then leave the water and become frogs.
The life cycle of a frog is an example of metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is a process of change in which an animal undergoes a dramatic transformation from one form to another.
How can the word be used?
The frogspawn hatched into tadpoles.
Different forms of the word
Noun: frogspawn, frogspawns.
Etymology
The word "frogspawn" comes from the Old English word froggesponne, which means "frog's spawn". The Old English word froggesponne is made up of the words frogga, which means "frog", and sponne, which means "spawn".
Question
What might you find frogspawn?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe the process of frogspawn development and its significance in the life cycle of frogs.
Answer:
Frogspawn, the gelatinous mass of eggs laid by female frogs in the water, plays a crucial role in the life cycle of these amphibians. The process of frogspawn development begins with the female laying hundreds of eggs, enclosed in a protective jelly-like substance to prevent desiccation and provide buoyancy. Over the course of several days, these eggs undergo embryonic development, progressing from single cells into tadpoles. The jelly coating safeguards the eggs from predation and creates an ideal environment for the embryos to thrive. As the tadpoles grow, they rely on their yolk sacs for nourishment until they develop mouths and start feeding on aquatic vegetation. This process marks the beginning of the larval stage, where tadpoles primarily reside in water, undergoing gradual metamorphosis until they eventually become froglets and transition to life on land. Frogspawn development ensures the continuity of frog populations and contributes to their ecological significance within aquatic ecosystems.