Frogs are not invertebrates. They are actually vertebrates. Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone or spinal column. This distinguishing feature sets them apart from invertebrates, which do not have a backbone.
Frogs belong to the class Amphibia, which is a group of cold-blooded vertebrates that also includes salamanders and caecilians. These amphibians are characterized by their ability to live both on land and in water, undergoing a complex life cycle that involves metamorphosis from tadpole to adult.
As a vertebrate, frogs possess several key anatomical features that are shared with other members of their group. They have a well-developed skeleton consisting of a backbone or spine, which provides support and protection for their internal organs. This allows them to have a more complex body structure compared to invertebrates.
Additionally, frogs have a nervous system that includes a spinal cord and a brain, enabling them to process information and respond to their environment. They also possess a circulatory system with a heart, which pumps blood throughout their body, delivering oxygen and nutrients.
Furthermore, frogs possess a respiratory system that allows them to breathe air. While they have lungs, frogs also have the ability to absorb oxygen through their skin, making them unique among vertebrates. This adaptation enables them to respire effectively in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
In terms of reproduction, frogs lay eggs which develop into aquatic larvae known as tadpoles. These tadpoles undergo a series of transformations during metamorphosis, eventually growing into fully formed adult frogs. This life cycle is characteristic of many amphibians, including frogs, and distinguishes them from invertebrates.
To summarize, frogs are vertebrates, not invertebrates. Their possession of a backbone, along with other anatomical features such as a well-developed skeleton, nervous system, circulatory system, and respiratory system, sets them apart from invertebrates. Understanding the distinction between vertebrates and invertebrates is important for classifying and studying different animal species.