This new species of tree frogs, named Hyalinobatrachium yaku, lives in Ecuador's Amazonian lowlands at elevations of between 980 to 1,150 feet. The frog has see-through skin on its underside, which is why it is often called the "Glass Frog." There are a lot of Hyalinobatrachium species, but this frogs distinctive vocalizations and dark-green spots on its head show that it is a new and different species. The frogs are arboreal and hard to find.
I think it is very interesting that new species are always being discovered. This article showed me how the Earth is full of species that have yet to be discovered. Also, this article made me thing about what the advantages are for the frog to have clear skin. Why do these frogs have see-through skin? Does it help them blend into their surroundings?
Reference: Weisberger, Mindy. "You Can See the Living Heart of This 'Glass Frog'." LiveScience. Purch, 31 May 2017. Web. 13 June 2017. <https://www.livescience.com/59306-glass-frog-visible-heart.html>.
Reference: Weisberger, Mindy. "You Can See the Living Heart of This 'Glass Frog'." LiveScience. Purch, 31 May 2017. Web. 13 June 2017. <https://www.livescience.com/59306-glass-frog-visible-heart.html>.
I agree, this discovery is really interesting and it definitely shows how many species are still undiscovered. It is also cool that the frog has see through skin, and I think that could help scientists identify its parts and how its body functions much easier. I think having clear skin could possibly make the frogs skin thinner, which would make it harder for them to survive, but I think that could go either way.
ReplyDeleteThe discovery of the frog is very interesting and it shows how new species are being discovered often. I think having the clear skin helps the frog blend in and hide from predators so the species doesn't die off and can last a lot longer
ReplyDeleteThe fact that the frog's skin is clear is very fascinating. It makes me wonder how is it possible for the skin to have no pigment. I feel like the clear skin would not make the frog blend in because obviously the heart is a different color than the ground or a tree, yet this characteristic must have a benefit.
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