What is Northern Leopard Frog?
Northern Leopard Frog is a type of amphibian found in most areas of North America. In the US, this frog was most often used for autopsy in HS biology classes. The scientific name for the North Leopard Frog is pipiens .
slender frogs, northern leopards are shades of green or brown with slightly bounded leopard dark spots. These frogs measure 3-5 inches (7.6–12.7 cm) and often have thin dual golden stripes that run down their backs. There are several color mutations for this species, such as lack of stains. These spotless frogs are called burnsi leopard frogs. For this reason, their habitats always include water and often occur in wetlands or open fields near the water source. In summer, however, frogs can sometimes be found 1-2 miles (1.6–3.2 km) from the water. During which they bury in mud and hibernation at the bottom of lakes or other water bodies. They can also be temporarily buried in underwater muds at any time if they feel threatened. When the prey moves close to, ŽÁba jumps on it. The northern leopard frogs are carnivorous and are not chosen eaters. They will eat many types of insects, garter snakes, small birds and other frogs, including their own species.
Thenorthern leopard frogs begin to join when they are two or three years old. The mating begins in April by calling to attract women. The female lays up to 6,000 eggs in water that is held nearby. Young frogs leave water in early August.
Before the 1960s, Northern Leopard Frog was the most widespread type of frog in North America. Since then, the 60s, their populations have been constantly declining, but have not yet reached the state of the endangered. They are still found in 26 US states and in most Canada regions. The decline is most likely caused by environmental factors.
In addition to the decline in the population, an increase in malformed frogs was discovered at the age of 90. This finding was published asThe first in Minnesota, where the percentage of malformed northern leopards were 6.5%. Scientists have suspected a combination of causes, including parasites, pesticides and other chemicals and even increased ultraviolet (UV) light. Financing has been reduced for scientific research of this phenomenon in 2001.