Frogs utilize multiple respiratory surfaces to breathe, rather than relying on a single "breathing organ."
How Frogs Breathe: Multiple Respiratory Surfaces
Frogs employ three primary surfaces for gas exchange:
- Skin: When submerged in water, frogs primarily breathe through their skin.
- Lungs: Frogs also possess lungs for breathing, similar to other terrestrial animals.
- Mouth Lining: The lining of the mouth also functions as a respiratory surface.
Respiratory Surface | When Used |
---|---|
Skin | While submerged in water |
Lungs | On land |
Mouth Lining | As a supplementary respiratory surface |
According to the reference: "The frog has three respiratory surfaces on its body that it uses to exchange gas with the surroundings: the skin, in the lungs and on the lining of the mouth. While completely submerged all of the frog's repiration takes place through the skin."