|
|
|
|
|
|
TADPOLE
-
A tadpole (also known as a pollywog or polliwog) is a larval amphibian, the juvenile form of a frog, toad, newt or salamander.
In this stage it breathes by means of external or internal gills, is at first lacking legs, and has a fin-like tail with which it swims as most fish do, by lateral undulation. As a tadpole matures, it metamorphoses by gradually growing limbs and then (in the case of frogs and toads) absorbing its tail by apoptosis (controlled cell death). Tadpoles depend very much on clean water. Most tadpoles are herbivorous, subsisting on algae or other greens such as boiled lettuce in captivity. However, they are true omnivores, being able to adapt to a carnivorous life style as well. When kept under herbivorous conditions, the gut becomes long and spiral. Under carnivore conditions, the gut becomes shorter. In a few species, some tadpoles turn cannibalistic under harsh conditions and feed on other tadpoles living in the pond.
Frog tadpoles, like their adult form, are eaten in certain regions of France (Charente-Maritime especially). Tadpole soup is a common dish amongst the Charentais but is relatively unknown outside their region.
External links
|
|
|
|
|
|
|