Frogs, Toads, And Salamanders Quiz
With the arrival of spring, the sounds of native amphibian species begin to fill the air, especially in our local wetlands. Take the EIC quiz to test your knowledge of the nearly two dozen different species of frogs, toads, and salamanders you might encounter in the state of Michigan.
Note: most photos courtesy of MDNR.
- 1.
- 2.
This amphibian says hello with a "gunk" sound. Who am I?
- A.
Bullfrog
- B.
Spring peeper
- C.
American toad
- D.
Green frog
Correct Answer
D. Green frogExplanation
Green frogs are frogs native to eastern North America and are commonly seen and heard in the spring and summer around Fair Lane Lake on the campus of the University of Michigan-Dearborn. They are large frogs that can occasionally be confused with bullfrogs, which also have large eardrums (tympani) situated behind the eyes. An easy way to distinguish a green frog from a bullfrog is to look for the presence of a bumpy ridge that extends from the eardrum to the hind legs. The ridge is absent in bullfrogs, but prominent in green frogs.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What are the features that are used to distinguish between a frog and a toad? Click all that are correct.
- A.
In general, frogs have moist, slimy skin, whereas toads have dry, bumpy skin.
- B.
Frogs are usually found living in or near water, whereas toads are often found on dry land.
- C.
Frogs lay eggs in masses or clusters, whereas toads lay eggs in chains or strands.
- D.
Frogs are amphibians, but toads are reptiles.
Correct Answer(s)
A. In general, frogs have moist, slimy skin, whereas toads have dry, bumpy skin.
B. Frogs are usually found living in or near water, whereas toads are often found on dry land.
C. Frogs lay eggs in masses or clusters, whereas toads lay eggs in chains or strands.Explanation
Frogs and toads are examples of cold-blooded vertebrates known as amphibians. They belong to the same taxonomic order called Anura. In addition to the differences noted above, frogs tend to have longer hind legs than do toads. Frogs also tend to have sleeker bodies with eyes that bulge more than do those of toads.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Like frogs and toads, salamanders are amphibians that lay shell-less eggs in water or moist areas. The salamander shown here can be found hiding in moist soil beneath rotting logs and leaf litter in the floodplain along the Rouge River running through the campus of UM-Dearborn. Who am I?
- A.
Eastern red-backed salamander
- B.
Eastern newt
- C.
Blue-spotted salamander
- D.
Eastern tiger salamander
Correct Answer
A. Eastern red-backed salamanderExplanation
The Eastern red-backed salamander is fairly common in a variety of forest types throughout Michigan. Somewhat resembling worms, adults are about 2.5-5" in length and have very short legs. Coloration may vary, often with adults exhibiting either a) a reddish/brownish stripe on the back from its head to the middle of the tail, or b) no stripe and uniformly dark on its back and sides.Rate this question:
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- 5.
True or false? The bullfrog is the largest frog in the United States
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The mighty bullfrog is in fact the largest frog in all of North America, reaching lengths of up to 8 ". Males can be distinguished from females in a couple of basic ways. Male bullfrogs are yellow-throated and have circular ears called tympani that are larger than their eyes. Females, on the other hand, have white throats and have ears about the same sizes as their eyes. You can spot and hear bullfrogs around Fair Lane Lake on the campus of UM-Dearborn.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of the reproduction and life-cycles of frogs and toads?
- A.
Frogs and toads reproduce by laying soft, shell-less eggs in water.
- B.
A female lays eggs numbering in the hundreds to thousands.
- C.
Eggs hatch to produce aquatic, fish-like tadpoles that breath through gills.
- D.
During metamorphosis to adults, the bodies of tadpoles will change and develop four legs while the tail is absorbed and disappears.
- E.
All of the above characteristics are correct.
Correct Answer
E. All of the above characteristics are correct.Explanation
Frog and toad eggs hatch in a matter of days or weeks to produce slender fish-like tadpoles. These tadpoles will undergo metamorphosis to a 4-legged adult stage over a period of a few weeks to possibly as long as a few years.Rate this question:
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- 7.
True or false? It is fine for people to handle amphibians.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
No, in general, humans shouldn't touch amphibians. While touching them might not give people warts (that's just a myth), it does expose the animals to potentially harmful chemicals on our skin, such as soap, sunscreen, or insect repellent. The thin, semi-permeable skin of amphibians can allow these chemicals to be absorbed into their bodies and pose a serious health risk to them. Enjoy viewing them from a safe distance!Rate this question:
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- 8.
Can you name the frog or toad sound from the previous clip?
- A.
Green Frog
- B.
Wood Frog
- C.
American Toad
- D.
Spring Peeper
Correct Answer
C. American ToadExplanation
The Eastern American toad is one of two kinds of toads found in Michigan, with the other being Fowler's toad. The American toad makes a distinctive high-pitched trilling sound that can last up to half a minute in duration. American toads can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, farmland, prairies, and even backyard gardens.Rate this question:
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May 07, 2020Quiz Edited by
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