amphibian: is a verterbre which had part of its life as a larvae living in water, to an ectothermic organism living mainly on land but still relying on water. amphibians consist of caecilians, frogs and toads, newts and salamanders.

 

amplexus: the sexual embrace of frogs

 

axilla: armpit of the frog

 

bask: holding the body directly under the sun for heat

 

choanae: the internal openings of the nasal passages located in the roof of the mouth, also known as internal nares

 

cloaca:  internal chamber in amphibians and reptiles into which the contents of the reproductive ducts and waste ducts empty before being passed from the body.

 

crepuscular: an organism which is active during dusk and dawn

dentary: the major bone making up the jaw, located in all herps.

 

discs: the expanded area located at the end of frogs toes, usually increase frogs ability to climb

 

diurnal: an organism which is active during the day

 

ectothermic: an organism which relies on external enviromental temperatures to  regulate internal body temp. also known as "cold blooded"

 

estivate: to spend a period of time inactive due to unfavourable conditions. some frogs may estivate due to dry conditions

 

hibernate: to remain completely inactive during the winter months.

 

maxilary teeth: the teeth located along the upper jaw of a frog

 

metatarsal tubercle: usually refers to one or more tubercles lying at the base of the underside of a foot in frogs.

 

metamorphosis: is the process where an organisms body changes over a short period of time.

 

nupital pads: dark rough pads located at the base of a male frogs thumb. only present in breeding season when the male frog is sexually active.

 

paratoid gland: a large glandular area located on the top of a frogs head behind the eyes. paratoid glands are  noticable in bufonidae species.

 

snout to vent length (SV):  is the distence between the tip/nose of the reptile/amphibian to the vent(or cloaca in frogs)

 

supratympanic ridge: is the skinfold above the tympanum which often extends to the shoulder. present in litoria caerulea

 

terrestrial: describes an animal which lives primarly on ground

 

tibia: the larger of the 2 bones between the knee and the ankle.

 

turbecle: is a small rounded "bump" on the bottom of a frogs foot.

 

vomerine teeth: small teeth like structure lying on the roof of many frogs mouths, usually located beside the choanaes.