Fish and frogs primarily reproduce by external fertilization, spawning large numbers of eggs in water that are fertilized by sperm from the male. They then abandon their offspring, relying on sheer numbers for survival, and the young develop into larvae (like tadpoles) with gills before metamorphosing into their adult forms. While most fish and frogs are oviparous (egg-laying), some species, like certain fish and toads, give birth to live young instead.
Fish Reproduction
External Fertilization:
Most fish use external fertilization, where the female releases eggs into the water, and the male then sheds sperm (milt) over the eggs.
Mass Spawning:
Fish lay hundreds or thousands of eggs because many will be eaten by predators, and only a few need to survive to maintain the population.
Egg Characteristics:
Fish eggs have a jelly-like coating to protect them from dehydration and pathogens, and they lack the hard shells found on bird or reptile eggs.
Livebearers:
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ome fish, such as guppies and mollies, have internal fertilization and give birth to live young, a process that provides the offspring with a head start.
Frog Reproduction
External Fertilization:
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The typical frog reproductive strategy involves external fertilization, with the male embracing the female to fertilize eggs as they are released.
Larval Stage:
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Frog eggs hatch into tadpoles that live in the water and breathe with gills.
Metamorphosis:
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The tadpoles then undergo a metamorphosis, developing limbs and lungs to become adult frogs capable of living on land, though they still need water to live.
Internal Fertilization & Live Birth:
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A few frog species, like the Tailed Frog, perform internal fertilization before laying eggs, and some toads are viviparous, giving birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
