How frogs and toads differ

Is it a frog ... or is it a toad? 

Both frogs and toads need water to survive.  Both species lay their eggs in water and their eggs hatch into tadpoles.  Tadpoles cannot survive in open air.

The differences in frogs and toads become apparent when the tadpoles grow legs and leave the water. 

Some kinds of frogs can climb trees.  Toads cannot.  Some kinds of frogs jump instinctively into water for safety when danger approaches.  Toads do not.  Most frogs have shiny slick smooth skin.  Toads have rough dry skin.

Pictured here is a native American toad.  Through DNA test comparisons it is believed that the American toad descended from an invasion of toads from South America about three million years ago.  Probably they came aboard drifting vegetation or logs floating north long before the Isthmus of Panama was formed.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo coumn by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo. Find more work by Aaron at The Painted Wren Gallery.