Why do some frogs freeze solid in winter and survive?
Quick Answer
Some frogs survive freezing because their bodies make glucose and other cryoprotectants that protect cells from ice damage. In species like the wood frog, up to about 65% of body water can freeze temporarily.
The Full Story
A few amphibians, especially the wood frog (Rana sylvatica), can tolerate partial freezing because they rapidly flood their tissues with glucose and other natural antifreeze-like compounds. This limits how much water leaves cells as ice forms in the body. Their heart can stop, breathing pauses, and they may remain frozen for weeks, then thaw and resume normal activity. The ability was studied in detail in North American wood frogs, which are among the best-known freeze-tolerant vertebrates. It is an extreme adaptation to cold forests where temperatures regularly drop below 0 °C.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"How can a frog turn into a living ice cube and still survive?"