How the Desert Rain Frog Survives Drought — Reading Comprehension

Imagine living in a place where it rarely rains, and the sun beats down all day. This is the home of the desert rain frog, a tiny animal that lives in the deserts of Southern Africa. These frogs are not like the ones you might see near a pond. They have special ways to survive in their dry home, especially when there is a drought.

The desert rain frog is a master of survival. Its most important trick is to dig! When the weather gets too hot and dry, or when a drought begins, these frogs don't just sit around. They use their strong, shovel-like back feet to dig deep into the sand. They create a cozy, moist burrow, a sort of underground house, where they can escape the harsh sun and stay cool. This burrow helps them find the dampness they need to keep their skin from drying out, which is very important for all frogs.

Another amazing adaptation is their skin. Unlike many frogs, the desert rain frog's skin is not super slimy. It's actually a bit bumpy and helps them hold onto moisture. They also have a unique way of saving water inside their bodies. During a drought, they can stay underground for many months, waiting for the rain to return. They are nocturnal, meaning they come out mostly at night, when the desert air is cooler and more humid, making it easier to search for insects to eat.

These frogs show us how organisms can survive only in environments where their particular needs are met. The desert rain frog's needs are cool temperatures, some moisture, and food. By digging burrows and having special skin, they adapt to their habitat. When the rains finally come, these little frogs emerge, ready to find food and reproduce, ensuring their survival for another generation in the challenging desert ecosystem.

Interesting Fact: When disturbed, the desert rain frog can inflate its body and make a high-pitched squeak, sounding a bit like a toy!

Where do desert rain frogs live?

What do desert rain frogs use their back feet for?

Desert rain frogs are nocturnal. What does 'nocturnal' mean?

How does a burrow help the desert rain frog?

Why is it important for the desert rain frog to keep its skin from drying out?

The desert rain frog's bumpy skin helps it hold onto moisture.

If a desert rain frog lived in a very wet forest, what might happen to its digging behavior?

How is the desert rain frog's survival similar to a squirrel storing nuts for winter?