Tadpole | Definition, Gills, & Facts - Britannica

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Tadpole
Tadpole Tadpole metamorphosis follows a pattern of gradual development, which can be observed through the appearance of forelimbs and hind limbs and the resorption of the tail. (more)
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Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: polliwog, pollywog Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot

tadpole, aquatic larval stage of frogs and toads. Compared with the larvae of salamanders, tadpoles have short oval bodies with broad tails, small mouths, and no external gills. The internal gills are concealed by a covering known as an operculum. Tadpoles undergo a visually striking metamorphosis before they achieve adulthood.

Also called: polliwog (Show more) Related Topics: frog and toad amphibian frog toad How Do Frogs Breathe? (Show more) See all related content
Littlejohn's tree frog tadpole1 of 3
Littlejohn's tree frog tadpoleLittlejohn's tree frog tadpole (Litoria littlejohni) lives in forest habitats along the eastern coast of New South Wales and Victoria in Australia.(more)
tadpoles2 of 3
tadpolesCompared with the larvae of salamanders, tadpoles have short oval bodies with broad tails, small mouths, and no external gills.(more)
life cycle of the European common frog3 of 3
life cycle of the European common frogEuropean common frog (Rana temporaria) eggs take about 35 days to hatch, and young reach sexual maturity some two to three years later.(more)

Most tadpoles are vegetarians, although those of a few species are carnivorous or even cannibalistic. Tadpole metamorphosis follows a pattern of gradual development of forelimbs and hind limbs, resorption of the tail, shortening of the intestine, disappearance of the gills, and development of lungs. Upon completion of metamorphosis, the tadpole emerges onto land as a young froglet or toadlet. The tadpole stage can be as short as two weeks or as long as three years. For most species the tadpole stage lasts from one to three months.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.

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