tadpole
Definition
A tadpole is the larval stage of an amphibian. Amphibians are animals that can live both on land and in water. Frogs, toads, and salamanders are all amphibians.
Tadpoles are aquatic creatures. They have gills for breathing underwater and their bodies are adapted for swimming. They have a long tail that helps them to swim and a large head with a wide mouth.
As a tadpole grows, it undergoes metamorphosis. This means that it changes its body shape and form. The tadpole's tail shrinks, its legs grow, and it develops lungs for breathing air.
Once the tadpole has metamorphosed, it becomes an adult frog or toad. Frogs and toads live on land and breathe air.
The metamorphosis of a tadpole is a complex process. It is controlled by hormones and requires a number of changes in the tadpole's body.
How can the word be used?
The frog laid her eggs in the water, and the tadpoles hatched a few days later.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
a recently born creature with a large head, long tail, and no arms or legs, which lives in water and develops into a frog or toad.
Verb:
to metamorphose into a frog or toad.
Etymology
The word "tadpole" comes from Middle English "taddepol", made up of the elements "tadde", 'toad', and pol, 'head' (modern English poll). Similarly, pollywog / polliwog is from Middle English polwygle, made up of the same pol, 'head', and wiglen, 'to wiggle'.
The first recorded use of the word "tadpole" in English was in the 14th century.
The word "tadpole" is a cognate of the Dutch word "taddepol" and the German word "Tadpole", both of which mean "tadpole".
The literal meaning of the word "tadpole" is "a small toad".
The word "tadpole" can be used to refer to the immature form of a frog or toad, as well as to the adult form of the creature.
The word "tadpole" is a common word that is used in everyday speech. It is a useful word for understanding the development of frogs and toads.
Question
What are tadpoles?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Discuss the lifecycle of a tadpole and its metamorphosis into an adult frog. Explain the key stages of development and the adaptations that occur during this transformation. Provide an example of an environmental factor that can influence the rate of tadpole development.
Answer:
The lifecycle of a tadpole involves a series of fascinating stages that culminate in the metamorphosis into an adult frog. It begins when an amphibian lays eggs in water, which hatch into tadpoles. Tadpoles are aquatic and possess gills for breathing underwater. As they grow, they undergo various developmental stages, including the growth of hind limbs, resorption of the tail, and the emergence of lungs.
Metamorphosis marks a significant transition, during which tadpoles undergo physiological and morphological changes to become terrestrial adults. The development of lungs allows frogs to switch from gill respiration to breathing air. Their digestive system also transforms to accommodate a new diet, typically transitioning from herbivorous to carnivorous.
An example of an environmental factor influencing tadpole development is temperature. Warmer temperatures generally accelerate tadpole growth and metamorphosis, while cooler temperatures may slow down these processes. This can have implications for the timing of metamorphosis, as well as the survival rates of tadpoles in different habitats.