Thursday, June 2, 2016

Rana sylvatica


Rana sylvatica, also known as the wood frog, possesses an extraordinary evolutionary adaptation to survive plummeting temperatures. During the winter, the amphibians freeze solid and appear to die - however, the following spring, they thaw out just like any other frozen object.

This unique trait is due to a solute in the frog’s blood called cryoprotectants, which acts in a similar manner to antifreeze by helping the frog’s body resist forming ice crystals inside of its cells.


Reference:
https://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Library/Amphibians-Reptiles-and-Fish/Wood-Frog.aspx

Photo credit: Svein Nordrumhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/nordrum/11053640906

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