How Can a Frog Smaller than Your Thumb Be So Loud?

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 smaller than your thumb be so loud?

The Big Idea

A tiny frog can be loud because it uses its whole body like a speaker! The coquí frog of Puerto Rico is about the size of a quarter. Its call can be as loud as a lawn mower if you are up close.

Fill the Throat

Step one: fill the throat. A frog fills its stretchy throat with air. It's like a tiny balloon that can puff out and shrink back.

Air Over Cords

Step two: air over the vocal cords. The frog pushes the air back and forth over its vocal cords, which makes them shake and make sound. The air sac makes the sound louder.

Night Chorus

Step three: the night chorus. The male coquí sings its name, which sounds like ko-KEE, to call friends and mark his spot. When thousands sing at night, it sounds like a wall of noise.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at the singer! The coquí is about the size of a quarter. Its air sac swells up like a balloon. The vocal cords vibrate to make the sound. And at night, the whole forest joins in.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The coquí is named after its own call, ko-KEE. Its call can be as loud as a lawn mower up close. Only the males sing, mostly at night. Listen from a distance, and never touch wild frogs.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Puff out your cheeks and say ko-kee softly. Now cup your hands in front of your mouth. Say it again. Does it get louder?

Outro

A tiny frog can make a giant sound. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!