How Amphibians Have Mastered Both Land and Water
In How Amphibians Have Mastered Both Land and Water, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod explains how frogs’ skin has adapted to help them survive in different environments. Specifically, frogs' skin helps them breathe both on land and in water. Learn how frogs can absorb oxygen through their skin, which is essential for their survival, especially for species like the Titicaca frog that never needs to surface to breathe. See how the structure of a frog's skin serves other functions, such as keeping out harmful microbes, and how different species of frogs have unique adaptations that help them thrive in their habitats. This video is excerpted from Secrets of Skin, a documentary series exploring the natural history of the body’s largest organ.
Lesson Express
Q: How does frogs’ skin help them survive in different environments?
A: Frogs' skin allows them to absorb oxygen both in the water and on land. This makes it easier for them to live in habitats where they need to move between these environments.
Q: What is the unique ability of the Titicaca frog’s skin?
A: The Titicaca frog has skin that allows it to absorb all the oxygen it needs, meaning it never needs to surface for air.
Q: Why is it important for frogs to have skin that helps protect them from microbes?
A: Frogs are vulnerable to harmful microbes in their environment, so their skin has developed antimicrobial and antifungal properties to protect them from disease.
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In Layers of the Skin, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod explores the fascinating science of skin and how mammals, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and birds share a similar basic skin structure, despite differences in appearance and function. Learn about the three main layers of skin: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat layer. Each layer plays an important role in helping animals adapt to their environment, providing protection, flexibility, and sensitivity. See how skin can be tough, flexible, colorful, and capable of growing feathers, hair, and even teeth. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Secrets of Skin, a documentary series exploring the natural history of the body's largest organ.
In Layers of the Skin, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod explores the fascinating science of skin and how mammals, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and birds share a similar basic skin structure, despite differences in appearance and function. Learn about the three main layers of skin: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat layer. Each layer plays an important role in helping animals adapt to their environment, providing protection, flexibility, and sensitivity. See how skin can be tough, flexible, colorful, and capable of growing feathers, hair, and even teeth. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Secrets of Skin, a documentary series exploring the natural history of the body's largest organ.