Science · Grades 3–6

Frogs and Toads

Reading comprehension lesson comparing frogs and toads — amphibian life cycles, tadpoles, physical differences, and habitat.

Reading Passage

Frogs and Toads

Frogs and toads are both amphibians, animals that live part of their lives in water and part on land. There are more than 3,500 species of frogs worldwide compared to around 300 species of toads. Although they look similar, there are clear differences: frogs tend to have smooth, moist skin and longer legs for jumping, while toads have rough, bumpy skin and shorter legs suited for walking.

Both frogs and toads begin life as eggs laid in water. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which breathe through gills and feed on algae and plant material. As tadpoles develop, they grow legs, lose their tails, and develop lungs — a dramatic transformation called metamorphosis. Adult frogs and toads are carnivores, catching insects, spiders, and small animals with their long, sticky tongues.

Frogs and toads are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature matches their surroundings. In cold climates, many species hibernate through winter buried in mud at the bottom of ponds. In warm weather, males attract mates with loud croaking calls produced by vibrating vocal cords while puffing out their throat pouches.

Frogs and toads are important indicators of environmental health. Because they absorb water through their skin, they are highly sensitive to pollution and habitat loss. Scientists monitor frog populations as an early warning system for environmental problems. Many species are threatened by habitat destruction, disease, and climate change.

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