JOURNAL ARTICLE

When frogs can't croak to get a mate, they dance.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2024. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Pennisi, Elizabeth 3 of 3

Abstract

Male frogs and toads use croaking as a way to communicate with potential mates and deter rivals. However, in environments with loud background noise, such as rushing streams and waterfalls, over 40 species have developed an alternative strategy called "foot flagging." This behavior involves sticking their rear legs up and out, mimicking the movements of a possible predator to scare away intruders. The evolution of foot flagging may be influenced by perceptual biases and has occurred at least six times among anurans. Some rival frogs have learned to recognize and ignore this scare tactic, leading to the development of more exaggerated scare tactics in foot-flagging species. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2024/01, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2024
  • Accession Number:175198721
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