European female frogs fake their death to avoid male mating

Latest Science & Tech Team TabloidPK August 2, 2024 0 Comments 47 Views

European female frogs fake their death to avoid male mating

Scientists have found an unusual behavior in European female frogs who fake their death to avoid aggressive male frogs mating. So, next time you see a seemingly dead frog, it might simply be the female trying to walk away from a male frog.

According to a study published in Royal Society Open Science, female common frogs in Europe are practicing “tonic immobility” which is effectively frogs portraying their deaths to avoid mating or engaging in sexual activity with male frogs.

*Female frogs fake death to avoid sex with unappealing male frogs*

The research shows that increased efforts by males for mating could even negatively affect female survival. So, it leads to reproductive failure for both males and females.

This happens because many male frogs cling to the same female frog during “mating balls.” A mating ball is a temporary structure that forms when many animals group during sexual activity.

Hence, European female frogs consider this mating manner as harassment, forced conceiving, and intimidation and fake their death.

Following this, they portray tonic immobility which is the apparent death phenomenon. When female frogs take the risk of death due to lack of oxygen and drowning.

Bradycardia or a slowed heartbeat can result from tonic immobility. It may lower the amount of oxygen that is absorbed through the skin.

*A female frog’s heartbeat slows down during the act of tonic immobility which may take her life*

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However, the study shows that European female frogs are just a few species, and one other amphibian commits tonic immobility as a defense against mating or male interference.

On the other hand, female sharks such as nurse sharks can enter a state of tonic immobility. They commit this behavior sometimes during mating as it helps the female sharks avoid injury from the male’s bites.

Female rabbits may also show tonic immobility when they feel threatened which can sometimes be a response to aggressive male behavior. Female chickens also participate in tonic immobility to avoid aggression or predation.