Frogs absorb water through their skin rather than drinking it with their mouths.

The longer version

Amphibian skin is thin, moist and richly supplied with blood vessels, which makes it a respiratory surface as well as a covering. Oxygen and water pass directly across it, so a frog can take in much of what it needs without swallowing anything.

Specialised regions on the belly and thighs, often called the drinking patch, are especially permeable and press against wet ground or puddles to draw moisture inward by osmosis. The same permeability is a weakness: pollutants, salts and drying air all pass through easily, which is why amphibians are so sensitive to changes in water quality and humidity.

Where this entry sits

This collection gathers small surprises about mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, insects, and the pets living alongside people. Expect odd details about senses, anatomy, and everyday behaviour that many people never notice in the animals around them. The full list sits on the Animals page, where every entry is listed in order.