Category: Amphibians
The American toad is a commonly occurring species throughout the Eastern United States and Canada and they can live almost anywhere, from forest to grassland. One of their interesting adaptations is that the tadpoles have been shown to have mutualistic relationship with Chlorogonium alga, developing more rapidly in its presence than without it. Also, in addition to seeking safety in numbers, their tadpoles produce a toxin to discourage predation.
Learn more about the American Toad at Wikipedia and Reptiles Magazine.
Swiss Army Skin
Amphibian skin is not covered in hair, feathers, or scales. It is thin and permeable, which allows them to actually breathe and drink through their skin! Their skin is not watertight, but they have mucous glands that produce secretions to help keep them from drying out Their skin also serves as a handy defense mechanism: nearly all amphibians have poison glands that make their skin toxic - and on top of that, it can even serve as a tasty treat after they shed it (yes, many amphibians eat their own sloughed off skin)!
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