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The incredible middle-class toads: How many eggs can they carry on their backs?
In the quiet forests and streams of northern and western Europe, there lives an interesting creature - the common midwifery toad. This toad reproduces in an unusual way, with the male proudly carrying the eggs around his back until the young hatch. This unique reproductive behavior not only attracts the attention of biologists, but also makes us rethink reproduction methods and adaptations in nature.
Basic characteristics of the common midwifery toad
The common midwifery toad (Alytes obstetricans) is usually about 5.5 centimeters long, although most will be smaller than this size. Females of this species of toad are usually larger than males, with a stocky build, large heads and conspicuous round eyes. Their skin color varies with the environment and is mostly gray, olive or brown, occasionally with small green or brown spots. Its unique appearance and behavior make people interested in it.
Habitat and distribution range
This toad is found in many countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It is commonly found in natural environments such as swamps, pine forests and urban fringes. Studies have shown that the common midwifery toad usually does not stay far away from water sources, and sometimes even travels as far as 500 meters to live in sunny places.
In the microscopic world of common midwifery toads, their adaptations and changes are thought-provoking. The future of biodiversity depends on the existence of these little lives.
The peculiarity of reproductive behavior
Whenever spring and summer come, the common midwifery toad begins its breeding season. The male toad will use its claws to stimulate the female toad's reproductive pore. When the female toad is ready, it will excrete a ball of egg fluid, and these eggs will be wrapped around the back of the male toad with its limbs. Male toads can carry up to three clutches of eggs at a time, totaling about 150 eggs, and take care of them until they hatch.
Troublesome existential threat
Although common midwifery toads are remarkably capable of thriving in nature, they still face threats from habitat loss. With the increase in human activities, especially the trend of urbanization, the habitats of these creatures are increasingly destroyed, causing their numbers to decline. Protecting the habitat of this unique species has become an urgent task.
The significance of culture and science
The common midwifery toad not only sparked much discussion in biology, but also became a symbol of innovation in biological thinking through the book "The Case of the Midwifery Toad." Some of the ideas in this book challenged basic understandings of biological evolution at the time, making midwifery toads an important topic in discussions of genetics and evolution.
Eating habits
The common midwifery toad mainly feeds on insects and other arthropods, and sometimes on carrion. This diversity of food sources provides stable support for their survival and also shows their flexibility in adapting to the environment.
The strange habits of the common midwifery toad and its role in the ecosystem are thought-provoking. Perhaps their story is a microcosm of the future changes in nature.
Ending Thoughts
In this ever-changing world, do the eggs carried by toads symbolize our in-depth thinking about life and ecology?
