Locomotion of frog

On land
The frog's powerful hind legs are adapted for both swimming and leaping.

In the position at
rest (flexor muscles
contract), the hind
leg is folded in the
shape of a Z and the
frog is ready for a
jump.

The strong extensor

muscles of the thigh
contract, extending
the
limb
and
thrusting the foot
against the ground
or against the water.

The fore legs are

folded against the
chest and the hind
legs remain in the
extended,
streamlined position
for the duration of
the jump.

The
thrust
is
transmitted through
the body of the frog
by the pelvic girdle
and the spine so
that
the
whole
animal is pushed
forward.

surface area for pushing

backwards on the water.
2) The smaller fore-limbs help to steer when the frog is swimming and absorb the
shock of landing after a jump on land.
3) On moving from water to land or over rough ground the frog will crawl rather
than leap.

The smaller forelimbs absorb the

shock of landing
after a jump on land.

In water
1) In the water
the webbed
hind
feet
provide
a
greater

Adaptation

Explanation

1) The tibia, fibula, and tarsals have been fused into a single,
strong bone that is heavily muscled.

Great force is produced for jumping.

2) Have the radius and ulna in the fore limbs

absorb the impact on landing

3) The metatarsals have become elongated to add to the leg

length

allow the frog to push against the ground for a longer period
on take-of

4) The tail vertebrae have fused into an urostyle which is

retracted inside the pelvis.

This enables the force to be transferred from the legs to the

body during a leap.

5) Almost all muscles have been modified to contribute to the

action of jumping, with

only a few small muscles remaining to bring the limb back to

the starting position and maintain posture.