A developing frog embryo in its jelly-like egg mass can be quite the escape artist: When predators come calling, the red-eyed tree frog embryo can detect the threat and drop out of its egg to safety ...

A new study from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) shows that red-eyed treefrog embryos hatch early when exposed to high ammonia levels — an environmental cue that it’s too hot and ...

What prompts the embryos of certain frogs to hatch early if shaken by a hungry reptile but not if buffeted by an outside force such as rain? According to biologist Karen Warkentin, it's a ...

How does a frog save itself when it hasn’t even been born? Every red-eyed tree frog must confront this dilemma. The frogs lay their eggs on plants that lie over ponds. After a week, the tadpoles hatch ...

The secret to the embryos’ quick-escape lies in their hatching glands — special glands, which release an enzyme that dissolves the egg membrane. In many frogs, hatching glands are loosely scattered on ...

Although red-eyed tree frog embryos appear helpless within their jelly-coated eggs, they can hatch up to two days ahead of schedule, reacting within seconds to attacks by egg thieves. Although ...

Red-eyed tree frog embryos are capable of hatching prematurely if necessary. Otherwise, they continue to develop in safety, in their eggs. (Karen M. Warkentin) A developing frog embryo in its ...