Class – VII

Plants & Animal Life(SS_07_10_V?)

10.1 Parts of a Flower

1. S-1:
Hello Students, I am xyz and today let us learn about Plants of a flower. Let
us observe what our kids are doing in the park…

2. V-1:
Oh! What a beautiful flower and smell. Mom what flower is this. This is
rose my son. It is of different colors as well like red, yellow, white. Look at
that my son, it is chrysanthemum, that flower is china rose. Besides these
there will be seasonal flowers like jasmine in summer season, marigold in
winter season, china rose in rainy season and so on..
3. S-2
We have seen so many flowers. How are these flowers useful to the plants
and what are the different types of fruits and seeds?

4. V-2(no voice with music)

We can show the a mango, a papaya pumpkin & bottle gourd which are
commonly grown in every house. We can show the flowers and how they
are formed into fruits. We can cut a fruit and show the seeds inside. There
may be a single seed or many seeds in the fruits.

5. S-3
Children how germination of the seed take place?

6. V-3
Sow a seed and water it every day. After 2 or 3 days it germinates into a
new plant. Most of the plants reproduce through seeds.

7. V-4(no voice)
Students can you tell the colors and describe the shapes of the following
flowers……
 External features of datura

8. S-4
Now let us go into the topic by observing the external features of datura.

9. V-5

The Datura flower has a small stalk at its base called pedicel. The swollen
part of the pedicel is the ‘thalamus’. The outermost whorl consists of five
green leaf like structures known as ‘Sepals’. All these sepals together are as
‘calux’. In Datura, the sepals are united to from a tube like structure. This
calyx protects the internal parts of the flower.
The whorl lying inner to calyx is called ‘Corolla’. The corolla consists of a
number of delicate structures called petals. Petals are white in colour. They
are united to form a tube. All these parts of the flower are arranged on the
thalamus.

10.V-6
Students all the flowers are not like datura.If we see a Rose flower, here the
sepals are free. They are not united. The petals are brightly coloured.

Androecium or stamens

11.V-7

The long thin structures present inside the corolla are called ‘androecium or
stamens’, or male reproductive parts. The stamens are five in number and
are united with the petals upon a certain length.

12. V-8
Now we move onto the structure of stamen.
A single stamen has a stalk called the “filament” and an expanded part at its
tip called the “anther”.
13.V-9
The release of Pollens is as fallows
When the anthers are ripe they burst out to produce fine dust like particles
called pollen or pollen grains.
The Pollen grains are male gametes and they help in fertilization.

Gynoecium or pistil

14.S-5
From the above part the male reproductive parts of datura are clear, now will
see the details of female reproductive parts of datura.

15.V-10
The female reproductive part is called gynoecium or pistil.
The base is swollen and is known as ‘ovary’. A thin long tube like structure
starting from ovary is called ‘style’. The tip of the ‘style’ is larger than the
rest of the style called “stigma”.

Now we will see the cross section of the ovary:

If we cut the ovary we find 2-4 chambers containing ovules. Ovules contain
female gametes. When fertilized they develop into seeds.

16. S-6

Androecium and Gynoecium play an important role in sexual reproduction.

The calyx and corolla attract insects for pollination.

10.2 Pollination and Fertilization

17. S- 7:

Now we will learn about pollination and Fertilization in plants.

18.V-11:

As you have leart , androecium and gynoeciu are the reproductory parts of a
flower. Flowers like Hibicus and Datura have both androecium(male gametes)
and gynoecium (female gametes). They are called “Bisexual Flowers”.

19.S – 8:

Flowers with androecium are male flowers and flowers with gynoecium are
female flowers. Flowers with either androecium or gynoecium are called
“Unisexual Flowers”. Ex:- Papaya, Coconut.

20.S-9:

Now you are seeing the ripe anthers of the Hibiscus flowers which produce
dust like particles called pollen grain.

The pollen grain carried by the insects like bees and butterflies take part in
Fertilization. Two distinct processes are essential for the formation of fruits
and seeds. They are pollination and Fertilization. The transfer of the pollen
grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower is called Pollination.

Self pollination

21.V-12:

In the self pollination the pollen grains of a flower are transferred to the
stigma of the same flower. In some bisexual flowers the anther and the
stigma mature at the same time and the pollen is carried to the stigma of the
same flower by wind or insects. Self-pollination occurs in plants like wheat,
tobacco and peas.

Cross pollination

22.V-13:

In same plants having bisexual flowers, the anther and stigma mature at
different times. So self-pollination cannot occur in such flowers. Pollen from
one flower is carried to the stigma of another flower of the same plant or a
 different plant of the same species. This is called cross –pollination. It
occurs in Hibiscus, Lady’s Finger, Tomato & Brinjal.

23.V-14:

In plants having unisexual flowers, cross-pollination is the only way to

produce seeds. Insects (bees, butterflies etc) and wind play a major role in
the transfer of pollen from one flower to another and thus help in cross-
pollination. The seeds produced by cross-pollination are healthier than seeds
produced by self-pollination.

Pollinating agents

24.V-15:

Whenever the wind blows the plants move and release pollen grains which
are easily carried by wind. The pollen grains are light and small. They are
produced in large quantities to ensure that some of them reach the stigma.
Self – pollination by wind can be seen in maize, paddy grass, and wheat.
They have very small flowers which do not have any smell or colour to
attract insects.

25.V-16:

In vallisneria female flowers are provided with a long stalk bringing flowers
to the surface of the water. The male flowers are produced in bunches. When
mature, they are separated from the bunch and float on the surface of water.
As they drift on the surface of the water, they come into contact with the
stigma of female flowers and pollination takes place. Pollintion by water can
be seen in plants which are submerged like vallisneria and Hydrilla.

26.V-17:

Flowers like rose, jasmine, Peturia attract insects through their bright
colours, scent, honey respectively. The pollen grains get attached to the body
of the insects when they visit the flowers for food. When such insects visit
another flower, pollen grains are transferred to the stigma of that flower.
Fertilization

27. S-10

The fusion of the male reproductive nucleus and the female reproductive
nucleus is called Fertilization.

28.V-18:

When the pollen reaches the ripened stigma of a flower, the stigma secrets a
sugary substance. A fine tube – like structure is grown from the pollen-grain
called the pollen – tube. This tube passes through the style and reach the ovule
of the ovary. At the end of pollen-tube, there are two nuclei – tube nucleus and
generative nucleus. The generative nucleus divides forming two male nuclei
while the tube nucleus disappears.

29.V-19:

Each ovule has two outer layers and at their upper end, there is an opening
known as ‘micropyle’. Inside the ovule is the embryosac. There are two nuclei
inside the embryosax. One is known as the egg nucleus and the other as
secondary nucleus.

30.V-20:

When the pollen tube passes through the micropyle into the ovule, the tip of
the pollen breaks. One of the male reproductive nuclei fuses with the egg
nucleus to form a zygote. This is called Fertilization. The zygote develops into
an embryo. The other nucleus of the pollen tube fuses with secondary nucleus
of the ovum and grows into endosperm which contains the reserve food
material. After fertilization, a series of changes take place in the ovary. The
ovule develops into a seed and the ovary into the fruit.

10.3.Vegetative Propagation

31. S-11
 Students let us learn about vegetative propagation in plants.

In some plants vegetative parts such as roots, stems, and leaves produce new
plants. This method of reproduction is known as vegetative reproduction.
These plants possess the same characteristics of the parent plant. It helps in
rapid propagation.

32.V-21:

In the plant Bryophyllum, leaf is broad and has notches at its margins. Buds
arise from the notches. These buds drop off from the leaf and grow into new
plants. Each new plant has a bunch of roots and small leaves.

In the same way leaves of Begonia also give rise to new plants.

33.S-12:

In the curry leaf plant and we can find small curry leaf plants around it.

34.V-22:

You find small plants around a curry leaf plant. New plants arise from the roots
of the curry leaf plant showing vegetative propagation through roots.

35.V-23:

Plants like sweet-potato, and Tapioca have swollen roots. Food is stored in
these roots. They are called tuberous roots. When these roots are cut and sown
in the soil, they produce new plants.

36.V-24:

In potato, onion, ginger and turmeric the shoot or the stem is substerranean i.e.,
it grows under the ground. So it is called modified underground stem. When
cut into pieces and put in the soil gives rise to new plants. The food materials
that are stored in the stem is used for vegetative propagation.

In ginger, the stem grows horizontally in the ground. Nodes and some scales
are found in the stem. Finger like projections arise called ‘buds’. If a piece of
ginger along with the bud is planted in the soil, it develops into a new plant.
 Some plants like grass spread on the ground. We find a bunch of roots at each
node. If a part of the stem of such plant along with roots is cut and planted in
the soil, it grows into a new plant. Many types of grasses multiply vegetatively.

10.4. Vegetative Propagation through Cutting, Layering and

Grafting
37.S-13:

Now let us learn how cutting, layering and grafting help in successful
vegetative propagation.

Ornamental and fruit yielding plants like crotans, rose, mangoes, lemon, sapota
and orange are vegetatively propagated. Cutting, layering and grafting are the
three successful methods of vegetative propagation.

Stem cutting:

38.V-25

Here a mature rose plant, stem is cut-off. This is called stem cutting. The cut
portion of the stem is put in moist soil and watered regularly. There stem –
cutting develops leaves and roots, and grows into a new plant.

Layering

39.V-26:

In layering, on a lower branch part of the bark of the plant is removed about
2.5 to 5cm. This portion is bent and fixed in the ground and covered with soil.
A stone or brick is placed on it, so that it is held in position. It develops roots
and leaves in 2-4 month. This branch is cut- off from the parent plant and it
grows into a new plant. This process can be observed in Lemon, Grape – vine
and croton too.

Grafting:

40.S-14
 In grafting, a small branch or a cutting of one plant is attached to the stem of a
plant (rooted in soil) of same or related species. It is done in such a way as to
bring about fusion of tissues between the two, and finally make them grow as
one. The cutting unites and becomes an integral part of the plant onto which it
is grafted.

41.V-27:

The plant that is rooted in the soil is called the “stock”, and the cutting that is
attached to the stock is known as the “scion or graft”. A small portion of the
bark is sliced-off from the scion and stock to ensure a closer contact and a
quicker union between the two. They are held firmly in position by tying them
together with a thread. The scion grows retaining all its qualities. The stock
which may be of inferior quality but physically sturdy supports the fused scion
by supplying water and mineral salts. When proper fusion has taken place
between the stock and scion, usually within 2-3 months, the stock is cut below
the joint and the scion above the joint.

42.S-17

Grafting ensures the production of particular desired characters in the scion or

graft, originally exhibited by the scion parent. Some of the fruits, guava and
sapota readily respond to this method.

10.5 Reproduction Through Spores

43.S-15:

Now let us learn about the reproduction through spores in non – flowering
plants like mosses, ferns, cycas & pine.

Non – flowering plants or Cryptogams do not have separate structures like

roots, shoot & leaves as in higher plants. Even plants like mosses, ferns, cycas
and pine do not produce ordinary flowers. So they come under non – flowering
plants. Reproduction in these non – flowering plants is carried on through
spores.

44.V-28:
 When conditions are not favorable, algae and fungi produce structures called
spores. Spores are very small and microscopic structures. Each spore is
covered by a thick protective coat, this protects the spore from unfavorable
conditions such as extreme heat or cold. When conditions are favourable spore
develops into a new plant.

In some plants spores are directly produced by the parent plant. The spore
producing plant is called a ‘sporophyte’. In some plants the parent plant
produces male and female gametes. Such gamete producing plant is called
‘gametophyte’. These gametes fuse to produce a ‘zygote’. This zygote
develops into a sporophyte and produces spores.

45.S-16

Gametes are sex cells. So production of the gametes is the sexual phase of the
plant. Propagation by spores is an asexual process. So spore producing phase is
the asexual phase of the plant. So in these plants sexual phase is followed by
asexual phase. This is alternation of generations.

Reproduction in Moss plant

46.S-17:

Now we will see how reproduction takes place in Moss – Plant.

47.V-29:

Moss –plant is Bryophyte and generally found in damp places. The plant has a
tiny stem like structure and a number of small leaves. Fine hair like structures
called ‘rhizoids’ fix the plant in the soil. The moss plant is a gametophyte. It
has male and female sex organs. A Cluster of leaves surround the sex organs
and protect them. The sex organs produce male and female gametes. The
fusion of gametes results in the formation of a zygote. This zygote develops
into the asexual plant body. This plant has three parts the foot, the seta and the
capsule.
 The foot is embedded in the gamophyte and absorbs food from it. The seta
connects the capsule to the plant body. The capsule produces a large number of
tiny spores. This part of the plant is called sporophyte. The seta conducts food
from foot to the capsule. When the spores are mature, wind, disperses spores.
If the spores fall on moist places, each spore germinates to produce a green
filament. This green filament prepares its own food. After sometimes small
buds appear on the branches ‘Each bud develops into a moss plant’.

Reproduction in ferns

48. S-18

Ferns are grown commonly in gardens as ornamental plants. They belong to

class Pteridophyta. They do not produce flowers and seeds. They also produce
male and female sex organs and spores. Two different phases are seen in the
Life – cycle of Fern- the sporophyte and the gametophyte.

49.V-30:

The fern plant is a sporophyte. A part of the stem, called Rhizome is inside the
soil. The roots help to fix the plant and absorb nutrients .

The upper part of the stem bears a number of leaves called ’Fronds’ Ferns
reproduce by spores but do not produce seeds.

A number of small brownish spots make their appearance on the lower side of
the older leaves. These spots are called “sori”. The fronds bearing the sori are
called sporophylls. Each sorus contains a number of small capsules called
sporangia. The spores are produced in the sporangium. When ripe, the
sporangium bursts liberating spores which will be carried away by wind.

50.V-31:

The spores are round and dark brown in colour. When they fall on the moist
ground, they germinate.
 They germinate and give rise to green filaments. Each filament develops into a
heart shaped structure called ‘prothallus’. This is fixed to the soil with the help
of rhizoids. It is a small independent plant. The prothallus contains male and
female sex organs. So prothallus is the gametophyte of the Fern plant. It
produces male and female gametes. The male gametes are released into the
surrounding water and the female gametes are fixed to the plant. The male and
female gametes fuse to produce to a zygote. This zygote develops and gives
rise to young sporophyte . this later develops into a Fern Plant. Thus in fern a
sporophyte alternates with a gametophyte.

10.7 Asexual Reproduction

51.S-19:

Now let us learn about Asexual Reproduction.

Asexual reproduction takes place without the fusion of male and female
gametes. Asexual Reproduction is of 3 types. 1. Binary fission 2. Budding 3.
Regeneration.

Binary Fission:

52. V-32

The division of a single organism into two daughter organisms is called Binary
Fission. Paramecium is a single celled animal. In paramecium the division of
the body is transverse (across) through the centre of the cell. It has a small
nucleus called ‘micronucleus’ and a large one known as ‘macro-nucleus ’.

Before fission, the micro-nucleus divides into two micro-nuclei. These more
away from one another. The macro-nucleus elongates lengthwise and divides
transversely into two macro-nuclei. In the mean time, a construction appears in
the middle of the body. This constriction deepens and divides the body into
two daughter paramecia. These daughter paramecia grow into adults. Binary
fission in paramecium is completed in about 2 hours. It may occur from one to
four times a day.
 Budding:

53.S-20:

Now you are going to see asexual reproduction through ‘Budding’.

54.V-33:

We can see ‘Budding’ in Hydra. Hydra is a multicellular organism living in

fresh water. The body has a central cavity. It is attached to the plants by the
base. At the other end, there are thread like structures called ‘tentacles’. During
budding, the body wall bulges out. Gradually this bulging increases in size.
This bulged structure is called a ‘bud’. The bud develops tentacles and grows
in size This it separates from the parent Hydra and lives independently.

Regeneration

55.S-21:

We will now see asexual reproduction in Earth-worm through ’Regeneration’.

56.V-34:
The process of developing the lost parts of the body is called ‘Regeneration’. If
by any chance an earth-worm is cut across into two bits, the head end is
capable of developing the lost part to become a full earth- worm. But the tail
part of the cut earthworm cannot develop the head portion. So regeneration of
lost parts in earthworm is restricted to the head end. This process can be seen
in starfish and sponges also.
10.8 Sexual Reproduction in Insects, Birds, and Mammals

57.S-22:

Let us move on to learn about reproduction in insects, birds and mammals.

Sexual Reproduction

58.V-35:

Sexual reproduction takes place by the union of male and female sex cells or
the gametes. The male gametes are called “Spermatozoa” and the female
 gametes “ova”. Male reproductive organs are the ‘testis’ and the female
reproductive organs are ‘ovaries’.

59.S-23:

Some insects, birds and almost all the mammals reproduce sexually by the
union of male and female gametes.

60.V-36:

The spermatozoa are microscopic and motile cells. They are produced in the
testis of the male. Each Spermatozoon has a head and a tail. Connecting these
two is a middle piece. They are produced in large numbers.

61.V-37:

The eggs or ova are produced in the ovary of the female. They are larger than
the spermatozoa. They do not move and are stationary. Each ovum consists of
a nucleus, cytoplasm and reserve food called ‘yolk’.

Fertilization

62. V-38

A spermatozoon moves and fuses with an ovum. Fusion of male female is

called ‘Fertilization’. The fertilized ovum is called ‘zygote’. If Fertilization
takes place within the body of the female organism it is called internal
Fertilization. In reptiles, birds and mammals internal Fertilization takes place.
If Fertilization takes place outside the body of the female organism, it is called
external Fertilization. In Fishes and amphibian external Fertilization takes
place. The fertilized ovum develops into a new individual.

Sexual reproduction in cockroaches

63.S-24:

Now let us learn about the Sexual reproduction in cockroaches.

Male Reproductive system:

64.V-39:
 In the male cockroach there is a pair of testis. They produce spermatozoa.
From each testis arises a tube like structure called vas deferens. The two vas
deferentia unite into an ejaculatory duct. This opens to the outside through an
opening called ‘gonopore’. The spermoatozoa produced in large masses and
are passed to the outside through vas deferentia, ejaculatory duct and
gonopore.

Female Reproductive system

65.V-40

In the female cockroach there are two ovaries. Each ovary has 8 tubules
called ovarian tubules. From each ovary arises a narrow tube called oviduct.
The 2 oviducts unite into a common oviduct. The oviduct opens by a gonopore
into a chamber called ‘genital chamber’. During copulation, the spermatozoia
are deposited in the genital chamber where fertilization takes place.

66.V-41:

The eggs of the cockroach are enclosed in a box like structure called ‘ootheca’.
Sixteen Eggs are arranged in 2 rows in the ootheca. The ootheca is laid in a dark
and warm place. Each egg develops into a cockroach. The young cockroach that
came out of the ootheca are colourless and do not have wings. They are called
nymphs. The nymphs gradually develop into adult cockroaches.

Sexual reproduction in Birds

66.S-25:

Now we will learn about the sexual reproduction in Birds.

67.V-42:

Male Reproductive system: There are two testis in the male bird. They are
attached to the kidneys. The testis produces spermatozoa. From each testis
arises a tube called vas deferens. The vas deferens opens into a ‘Cloacal
 Chamber’. This cloacal chamber opens to the outside through a cloacal
aperture.

68.V-43:

Female Reproductive system: In a female bird a single ovary and an oviduct

are present in the body cavity on the left side. The oviduct opens into the
cloacal chamber. In birds, internal fertilization takes place in the oviduct.

Sexual reproduction in mammals

69.S-26:

Now let us learn about sexual reproduction in mammals. In mammals sexes

are separate & fertilization is internal.

70.V-44:

Male Reproductive Organs: The male has a pair of testis placed in scrotal sacs.
Each testis opens into a much coiled tube known as epididymis. The
epididymis is continued as deferens. The spermatozoa produced in the testis
pass through vas deferens and vas are released through Urethra.

71.V-45:

Female Reproductive system: In the female, there are two ovaries close to the
ovary there is a funnel called ovarian funnel. The ovarian funnel opens into a
tube called ‘fallopian tube’. Posterriorly the fallopian tubes become wide and
are joined to form a uterus.

Fertilization

72. V-46

Sperms discharged from the male move into the uterus and fertilize the ova in
the uterus. Egg develops into an embryo in the uterus. A vascular connection
develops between the wall of the uterus and embryo. This is called placenta.
Through the placenta, the embryo gets its nourishment from the mother.

Parental care
73.S: 27

Many mammals take care of their young ones by feeding and protecting them
till they are able to lead an independent life. This caring for the young ones is
called ‘parental care’.

1. Mammals like cows feed their young ones till they are independent.
2. Human beings feed their infants till they are independent.
3. Birds exhibit parental care by building nests, feeding and protecting their
young ones. Pigeons produce a fluid called ‘pigeon milk’ in its mouth which
contains water, protein, fat and minerals
4. Kangaroos carry the young one in the pouch in the abdomen.

10.9 Life History of Mosquito and Housefly

74.S-28:

Now let us learn about the life history of Mosquitoes and Housefly.

75.S-31:

Mosquitoes and houseflies are common in our surroundings. The female

mosquitoes feed on the blood of man and other vertebrates. The male
mosquitoes suck juice of flowers and plants. Houseflies and mosquitoes are
harmful insects as they spread diseases like malaria, cholera and typhoid. The
common types of mosquitoes are culex and anopheles.

Life cycle of mosquito:

76. V- 47

There are 4 stages in the life history of a culex mosquito namely the egg,larva,
pupa and imago

Egg:- An adult female mosquito lays about 300 eggs in ponds or pools. Each
egg is cigar shaped. The eggs are laid side by side and held together by a sticky
substance in the form of a boat shaped raft. In one to three days, the eggs hatch
and a larva comes out of each egg.
 Larva:- The larva of mosquitoes are called ‘wrigglers’ because of their
wriggling movements. The body is segmented has a head, thorax and
abdomen. The head has a pair of eyes and a pair of antennae. Each eye is made
up of several small eyes. Hence it is called a ‘Compound eye’. There are a pair
of feeding brushes made up of stiff hairs. These feeding brushes cause small
currents of water by which small particles of food are driven into the mouth.
The thorax is globular and the abdomen is slender with 9 segments. On the
thorax and abdomen there are tufts of stiff hairs. The abdomen has a tube on
the eighth segment, called the respiratory siphon through which air is taken.
The larvae periodically come to the surface of water and takes in air. It feeds
on algae and small organic particles and grow.

Pupa:- Pupa is comma(,) shaped and is called a tumbler. The head and thorax
are fused. On this a pair of tubes called respiratory trumpets are present. The
pupa hangs in the surface water and takes in atmospheric air by these
respiratory trumpets. Depending on the temperature the pupa stage lasts from 2
to 7 days.

Imago:- The pupa metamorphoses into mosquito. The newly emerged adult is
called imago.

Diseases caused by mosquito

77.V-48:
1. malaria is deadly human disease. It is transmitted by female anopheles
mosquito. When a female anopheles mosquito bites a human being, the
malarial parasites are introduced into the human body.
2. Yellow fever Dengue are deadly diseases. When an Aedes mosquito bites a
human being, the deadly parasites are introduced into the human body.
3. When a culex mosquito bites a human being, he/she suffers from filariassis
or elephantiasis.

Prevention of mosquito bite

78.S-29:

We have to various methods to prevent mosquito bite and control the spread of
the deadly diseases.
 1. The cheapest way to prevent mosquito bite is to use mosquito nets.
2. Mosquito repellants keep the mosquitoes away.
3. Adult mosquitoes can be destroyed by spraying insecticides. The breeding
places of mosquitoes should be sprayed to kill larvae. Our surroundings should
be kept clean and dry.

The life history of a housefly

79.S-30:

We find housefly in dirty surroundings. The life history of a housefly is as

fallows.

80.V-49:
1. A female housefly lays about 120 to 160 eggs at a time. The eggs are laid in
garbage, on dung heaps, and on decaying vegetable and animal matter.
2. The life history of a housefly consists of four stages namely egg, larva, pupa
and imago stages.
Egg:- The egg is white and cylindrical. On one side, it has two ribbon like
longitudinal thickenings. They hatch into larvae in about 24 hours.
Larva:- The larva is known as ‘maggot’. It is white in colour. The body of the
larva has 13 segments. It has a mouth and feeds on organic matter.
Pupa:- The fully grown larvae move to dry places in the dung and changes to a
pupa. The pupa is dark brown and barrel shaped. In a week, it changes into an
adult or imago.

81.S-31:

Houseflies spread germs that cause typhoid cholera, amoebic dysentery and
tuber culosis. The surrounding should be kept clean without garbage heaps and
dung heaps. Our food should be kept covered from houseflies. Insecticides can
be used to kill the houseflies.

10.10 ife History of Frog

82.S-32:

Now let us learn about the life history of Frog. Frog is an amphibian i.e., which
lives in water and on land.
83.V-50:

All of you must have seen frogs. Frog is an amphibian. It lives both in water
and land. The life history of frog begins in water. It has three stages namely the
egg, the larva and the adult.

Egg:- The eggs of frog float on water. The eggs are surrounded by jelly like
substance. They are incubated by the warmth of the sunlight. In about 10 to
fifteen days a larva comes out of the egg.

Larva:- The newly hatched larva has a large head, a small trunk and a short
tail. It has no mouth. There is a sucker at the anterior end of the ventral side.
The larva attaches itself to the weeds by means of this sucker. It has 2 pairs of
gills for external respiration. After a week the larva develops into a ‘tadpole
larva’.

Tadpole Larva:- The tadpole larva resembles a small fish. It develops a mouth,
a third pair of external gills and a tail. The jaws have teeth. It feeds on plants.
The intestine is coiled like a watch spring. The tail increases in size. It helps in
swimming.

A series of changes that take place in tadpole internally and Externally to

transform it into an adult frog is called ‘Meta morphosis’.

During this process the tadpole larva lives in water and breathes through its
gills. Slowly the forelimbs (legs) appear. The gills disappear and lungs
develop. At this stage the small frog leaves water as it can’t breathe with lungs
in water. Tail slowly disappears.

The metamorphosis in frogs is initiated by a hormone called thyroxine. This is

secreted by a gland known as thyroid.