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Book 17, Question 64 · Video

How Can a Frog Become See-Through?

Video · 1:52 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 17

Glass frogs have almost see-through bellies, and they can become even clearer when they rest! You can see their hearts and organs through their skin. A clear frog on a green leaf i

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can a frog become see-through?

The Big Idea

Glass frogs have almost see-through bellies, and they can become even clearer when they rest! You can see their hearts and organs through their skin. A clear frog on a green leaf is very hard to spot.

Green Back

Step one: a green back. A glass frog has a green back that matches the leaves it rests on. Its belly skin is almost see-through, so you can see its heart and organs.

Hide the Red

Step two: hide the red. Scientists found that a resting glass frog hides most of its red blood cells in its liver. With less red in its body, it becomes much clearer and blends with the leaf.

Wake Up

Step three: wake up. When the frog wakes up, the blood goes back into the rest of its body. Now it is ready to move, and it is easy to see again.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A green back matches the leaf. A clear belly lets light pass through. Hidden blood makes the frog even clearer. Eggs are laid on leaves above streams. What a clever disguise!

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Glass frog eggs are laid on leaves above streams. When the tadpoles hatch, they drop into the water below. A resting frog hides most of its red blood cells to look clear. Never touch wild frogs. Their skin is delicate.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Put a clear gummy or piece of clear plastic on green paper. Shine a flashlight behind it, away from your eyes. How could a see-through animal hide on a leaf? Tell a grown-up what you think!

Outro

Glass frogs hide by becoming see-through. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this