Over time, many species of animals have developed inventive ways of avoiding predators. For example, decorator crabs conceal themselves in coral and Arctic hares grow white fur in winter to blend in with their snowy habitat. A new study has revealed that Wallace’s flying frogs have a particularly off-putting way of repelling attackers. These small frogs from Southeast Asia have adapted to look like poop.
When they are young, Wallace’s flying frogs have reddish-brown bodies covered in small white dots. The pattern resembles that of animal droppings. Experts think that instead of hiding from their predators, these frogs simply look like something no other animal wants to eat.
A group of researchers tested their theory at Schoenbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria. They created wax models of frogs in different colors…
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The Week Junior US (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 189