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How the Desert Rain Frog Survives Drought — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging, audio-integrated reading passage for Grade 4 explores the fascinating survival strategies of the desert rain frog during drought conditions. Aligned with NGSS Standard LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships, the passage explains how these unique amphibians meet their needs in harsh environments. Students will learn about adaptations like burrowing and special skin, understanding how organisms depend on their environment for survival. Key terms are defined, making complex concepts accessible for young learners. This content is perfect for exploring desert ecosystems and animal resilience.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Desert rain frog digging burrow and hiding underground during drought in Southern Africa. — Desert rain frog escapes heat by burrowing underground to stay moist and cool.

Meet the Desert Rain Frog

The desert rain frog is a tiny, round frog that lives only in the coastal deserts of Namibia and South Africa. It grows to just about 2 inches long—small enough to fit in your palm! Even though its home is one of the driest places on Earth, this little frog has developed amazing ways to survive.

Special Adaptations

The desert rain frog uses several adaptations to handle its tough environment. First, it is a burrowing animal. During the hot, dry days, it digs deep into the cool, moist sand to hide from the sun and keep its body from drying out.

This frog is also nocturnal, which means it sleeps during the day and comes out at night. At night, fog from the ocean rolls over the sand dunes. The frog absorbs water right through its skin from the fog. It does not need ponds or rain to drink—just the moist air!

Its round body helps it store water and fat, like a tiny camel. The frog’s belly skin is almost see-through, so it can soak up water from damp sand. Even its babies are special—they hatch as tiny frogs, skipping the tadpole stage, so they don’t need water puddles to grow up.

Famous Squeaky Call and Habitat

The desert rain frog is famous for its loud, squeaky call. It sounds like a squeaky toy and helps scare away predators. This frog only lives in a narrow strip of sandy dunes where the ocean fog is common. If the fog disappears, the frog could be in trouble.

Why It Matters

The desert rain frog shows how animals can turn a harsh desert into a cozy home. It uses fog like we use a water fountain! But with climate change, the fog may not come as often, which could hurt the frog’s home.

Interesting Fact: Scientists call the desert rain frog "the world’s cutest frog" because of its round body and big eyes!

Where does the desert rain frog live?

Namibia and South AfricaAmazon rainforestAustraliaArctic tundra

How does the frog get water?

Absorbs fog through skinDrinks from pondsEats insectsLicks morning dew

What sound does the frog make?

A squeaky toy soundA loud croakA high whistleA deep buzz

Why does the frog burrow during the day?

To stay cool and moistTo find foodTo see the sunTo chase insects

How does the round body help the frog?

Stores water and fatMakes it jump highHelps it swim fastLets it fly

What might happen if fog disappears?