Difference Between Frog And Toad

Difference Between Frog And Toad: Frogs and toads are both amphibians that are frequently confused due to their similar look. However, there are some key distinctions between these two species. Understanding the variations between frogs and toads can aid in their identification, as well as comprehension of their behavior and habitat.

Frog

A frog is any member of the order Anura, which consists of a diverse and mostly carnivorous group of short-bodied, tailless amphibians. The oldest fossil “proto-frog” Triadobatrachus is known from Madagascar’s Early Triassic, but molecular clock dating reveals their break from other amphibians may have occurred 265 million years ago. Frogs are found all throughout the world, from the tropics to the subarctic, although tropical rainforests have the highest concentration of species variety.  

Habitat

Frogs can be found in a wide range of settings, from tropical jungles to freezing tundras to deserts. Because their skin requires freshwater, most frogs live in aquatic and swampy environments.

Toad

Toad is a common name for certain frogs, particularly those of the family Bufonidae, with dry, leathery skin, short legs, and big bumps covering the parotoid glands. The differentiation between frogs and toads is not made in scientific taxonomy, but it is widespread in popular culture (folk taxonomy), with toads being associated with drier, rougher skin and more terrestrial surroundings.

Habitat

Common toads in the United Kingdom frequently climb trees to conceal themselves in hollows or nest boxes.

Difference Between Frog And Toad

Characteristic	Frog	Toad
Definition	A frog is any member of the order Anura, which consists of a diverse and mostly carnivorous group of short-bodied, tailless amphibians.	Toad is a common name for certain frogs, particularly those of the family Bufonidae, with dry, leathery skin, short legs, and big bumps covering the parotoid glands.
Habitat	Near water bodies	On land, in drier climates
Texture of Skin	Frogs have skin that is smooth and moist.	Toads have rough skin that is relatively dry.
Webbed feet	Frogs have webbed feet to accommodate their semi-aquatic lifestyle.	Toads do not typically have webbed feet.
Locomotion	A frog almost never crawls.	Toads mostly move by crawling.

Conclusion

The distinction between a frog and a toad is pretty evident, and the two are now relatively straightforward to distinguish. However, not all frogs and toads can be distinguished because they share characteristics. For example, toads have smooth and moist skin like frogs, whereas frogs have rough, dry skin like a toad. However, this is due to the fact that both are classified as vertebrates.