How do frogs survive freezing temperatures?
Quick Answer
Some frogs survive winter freezes by letting ice form in parts of their body while using glucose and other compounds to protect their cells. Species such as the wood frog can thaw out and resume activity in spring.
The Full Story
A few amphibians have extraordinary freeze tolerance. The wood frog, for example, can survive having much of its body water freeze during cold winters in North America. Before freezing, it builds up glucose and other cryoprotectants that help limit cell damage and dehydration. Its heart may stop, and breathing ceases temporarily, but after thawing it can return to normal activity. This ability makes the wood frog one of the best-known freeze-tolerant vertebrates.
Key Facts
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