In some species of frogs, only males care for the newly born, whereas in others only females do or both partners do. For example, males of the "dart-poison frog" of Costa Rica keep watch, waiting for the eggs to hatch, for up to 10-12 days. Through great efforts, the newly born tadpoles climb and hold on to the back of the mother so tightly that they appear to have been welded on. Then the mother climbs onto a bromeliad in the forest. The flowers of this tree are shaped like goblets pointing skyward, and are filled with water. The mother releases the newly born frogs into these flowers, where they grow safely.
Since there is no food in these waters, the mother frequently lays unfertilised eggs in the flowers for the newly born frogs. The tadpoles feed on these eggs, which are rich in protein and carbohydrates.56
The "gladiator frog" is another species that defends the area in which are the eggs. The males of these frogs have been created with pin-like extensions under their thumbs, with which they rip the skin off an intruder male.
Dart-poison frogs live in Costa Rica. (1) Male frogs keep watch waiting over the eggs until they hatch. The newly born tadpoles start to climb on to the back of their mothers with extraordinary efforts. (2) The climb ends when they finally make it to a special pouch on the mother's back, in which the tadpoles become as if one with her. (3) Then the mother herself begins a trying climb. This phase ends when she reaches the flowers of the bromeliad. The flowers of this tree are shaped like goblets pointing skyward, and are filled with water. The mother releases the tadpoles into these flowers where they grow safely. (4) |
Another species, called the glass frog due to its transparency, does not keep watch over its eggs. Allah inspires another method in these frogs; they leave groups of eggs on the rocks and plants of the tropical lakes or rivers. When the eggs hatch, the tadpoles drop into the water.
Frogs leave their fertilised eggs in damp places. Out of these eggs hatch tadpoles that have large heads and tails. In time, the tadpoles develop arms and legs and the infants take on the shape of frogs. Finally, development ends as the tails disappear. |
And in your creation and all the creatures He has spread about there are Signs for people with certainty. (Surat al-Jathiya: 4)
Frogs Reproduced in the Stomach
The extraordinary reproduction method of a species of frog called Rheobatrachus silus, is another example of the superb design in the creation of Allah. Female Rheobatrachus frogs swallow their eggs after fertilisation, not to eat them but to protect them. The hatching tadpoles remain and grow in the stomach for the first six weeks after hatching. How is it possible that they can remain in their mother's stomach that long without being digested?A flawless system has been created to enable them to do so. First, the female ceases to feed for those six weeks, which means the stomach is reserved solely for the tadpoles. However, another danger is the regular release of hydrochloric acid and pepsin in the stomach. These chemicals would normally quickly kill the offspring. However, this is prevented by a very special measure. The fluids in the stomach of the mother are neutralised by the hormonelike substance prostaglandin E2, which is secreted first by the egg capsules and then by the tadpoles. Hence, the offspring grow healthily, even though they are swimming in a pool of acid.
The Rheobatrachus frog giving birth from its mouth. |
There is a fierce battle for territory between spiders and frogs. However, spiders generally prefer to retreat when they encounter these poisonous frogs, which are even capable of easily killing human beings. |
He is Allah - the Creator, the Maker, the Giver of Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Him. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (Surat al-Hashr: 24)