The incredible shape-shifting frog
Discovered in Ecuador this frog can rapidly change its skin patterns to mimic the texture it sits on.Spotted in the western Andean cloud forest, the creature is believed to be the first known amphibian to have this shape-shifting capability
Researchers claim the ability to change skin texture to reflect its surroundings may enable the frog to camouflage itself from birds and other predators – but say this has yet to be proven.
Article:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/03/150325-ecuador-new-species-punk-rocker-frog-shape-shifting/
Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH9Cki3ye6c
#biodiversity #shapeshiftingfrog #coolcreatures #amphibians
Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteNever heard of shape shifting before. In the real world, that is.
ReplyDeleteQuite extraordinary! Squid and octopus can change colour due to muscles under their skin which can tense or relax to hide or reveal small folds and pockets of different coloured skin cells.
ReplyDeleteThe little skinks and geckos that run over the outside of our house can also change colour to match the surface they are on.
This little guy has something a bit like that but seems to go more for the 'tattered and frayed' look . I guess they have adapted to where they are. Maybe way down under the forest canopy the places they inhabit receive only dappled light?
It's rather intriguing, trying to work out how this ability evolved?