EVOLUTION

OF FROGS
By : Nathan Colen N. Peñera
 INTRODUCTION
In this concise exploration, we embark
on a journey through time to uncover the
fascinating story of how frogs, those
amphibians, evolved and adapted over
millions of years. From their humble
beginnings in the Early Triassic period to
the diverse forms seen today, frogs have
played a significant role in ecosystems
worldwide. Join us as we delve into the
pages of history to unravel the mysteries
of frog evolution, highlighting their
remarkable adaptations and
diversification,
 Early Evolution
TRIADOBATRACHUS (EARLY TRIASSIC)
Triadobatrachus
massinoti. It is the oldest
member of the frog
lineage known, and an
excellent example of a
transitional fossil. It lived
during the Early Triassic
about 250 million years
ago, in what is now
Madagascar.
Triadobatrachus was 10 cm (3.9
in) long, and still retained many
primitive characteristics, such as
possessing at least 26
vertebrae, whereas modern
frogs have only four to nine. At
least 10 of these vertebrae
formed a short tail, which the
animal may have retained as an
adult. It probably swam by
kicking its hind legs, although it
could not jump, as most modern
frogs can. Its skull resembled
that of modern frogs, consisting
of a latticework of thin bones
separated by large openings.
 Early Evolution
PROSALIRUS (EARLY JURRASIC)
Prosalirus is the name
given to a fossilised
prehistoric frog. The
name comes from the
Latin verb prosalire,
meaning 'to leap
forward'. It is thought to
have lived during the
Early Jurassic epoch 190
million years ago,
The skeleton has primitive
features, but has mostly lost the
salamander-like traits of its
ancestors. It has a skeleton
designed to absorb the force of
jumping with its hind legs and
tail. It also has long hip bones,
long hind leg bones, and long
ankle bones, all similar to
modern frogs, and is as of 2009
the earliest true frog.
 Early Evolution
BEELZEBUFO (LATE CRETACEOUS PERIOD)
Beelzebufo is a
particularly large species
of prehistoric frog
described in 2008.
Common names assigned
by the popular media
include devil frog, devil
toad, and the frog from
hell. it is assumed to
have lived 66-70 million
years ago.
animals of this species
estimated to have grown to at
least 23.2 cm (9.1 in) (snout-vent
length), which is around the size
a modern African bullfrog can
reach. The head of Beelzebufo
was very big, and bones of the
skull roof show a rugous external
surface, indicating at least parts
of the head may have borne
bony scales, called scutes.
 SUMMIRIZATION OF EARLY
EVOLUTION
In the early stages of frog evolution, key
fossils like Triadobatrachus from the Early
Triassic period provide valuable insights.
Triadobatrachus massinoti, dating back
around 250 million years, showcases both
primitive and modern frog features,
suggesting a transitional form. Moving into
the Early Jurassic, Prosalirus emerges as an
early representative of true frogs, with
skeletal adaptations for enhanced jumping.
Finally, the late Cretaceous Beelzebufo,
known as the "devil frog," demonstrates the
diversification of frogs over time, with its
substantial size and formidable skull
structure. These fossils offer glimpses into
the dynamic evolutionary journey of frogs,
highlighting their remarkable adaptations
and ecological significance throughout
history.
 Comparison to Modern Frogs
Modern frogs and their ancient
relatives have a lot in common,
even though they lived at
different times. Both types of
frogs have long legs made for
jumping around. While today's
frogs hop a lot, ancient frogs
like Triadobatrachus probably
swam more since they weren't
as good at jumping.

Their skin is also similar—smooth

and wet to help them breathe
and stay moist. When it comes to
making babies, both modern
and ancient frogs lay eggs in
water, where they hatch into
tadpoles. And they all love to
eat bugs and other small
critters. These similarities show
that frogs have been important
parts of nature for a really long
time.
 Comparison to Modern Frogs
Today, frogs come in all shapes, sizes, and
colors! From the tiny, colorful poison dart
frogs of Central and South America to the
big, bullfrogs found in ponds across North
America, there's a frog for every
environment. Some frogs live high in the
trees, while others prefer to burrow
underground. Some can even change color
to blend in with their surroundings! Despite
their differences, all frogs play important
roles in keeping ecosystems healthy by
controlling insect populations and serving
as food for other animals. So next time you
see a frog hopping by, remember that
they've been hopping and swimming
through history for millions of years!