Do Frogs Pee?
The answer to this question is yes, frogs do pee. But the way that they pee is quite different from the way that humans do.
Urine Production Process
Frogs produce urine in two stages. They begin by filtering out waste that is dissolved in their blood and extra water, before then producing a flexible bladder filled with a concentrated version of their urine.
Urine Release Process
So then, how do frogs release their urine? The answer is through their moist skin. While this is a unusual process compared to mammals and other animals, it is a quite efficient way for frogs to remove their waste without excessive water loss.
For instance, the water frog species of South America and Africa have moist skin that is rich in a range of glands. These glands secrete a salty mix of phenols, uric acid and other materials, allowing the frogs to absorb water from the air and allow their bodies to remain cool and hydrated.
Benefits
There are a number of benefits for frogs to release their urine through their skin. A few of these benefits include:
- Efficient water retention: Because the process of releasing their urine is done through the skin, it is a very efficient way for them to retain water.
- Protection from skin-related illnesses: The air-borne uric acid and phenols act as a layer of protection from any skin-related illnesses.
- Toxin-free environment: The skin also acts to keep the environment around the frog toxin-free.
So, as you can see, frogs do pee – just not in the same way us humans do!
