Why do frogs need moist skin to survive?
Quick Answer
Many frogs breathe partly through their skin, so it must stay moist for gas exchange. If the skin dries out, breathing and water balance are disrupted.
The Full Story
Amphibians have thin, permeable skin that allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through. This cutaneous respiration is important because it complements lung breathing, especially when frogs are resting or underwater. Moist skin also helps them absorb water directly, since many species do not drink by swallowing as mammals do. That permeability is useful but risky, because dry conditions can quickly dehydrate them. For that reason, frogs often live in damp habitats or hide in cool, shaded places during the day.
Key Facts
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"Why a frog’s skin is more like a breathing surface"
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