How does external fertilization in frogs work?

Frogs use external fertilization, meaning eggs and sperm unite outside the body. During the rainy season, males call loudly to attract females. Once a female approaches, the male mounts her in a position called amplexus, where he clasps her tightly behind the forelimbs. As the female lays her eggs in water, the male releases sperm over them simultaneously. This timing ensures that the eggs are fertilized externally. The eggs are covered in a jelly-like substance secreted by the female’s oviducts, which prevents them from drying out and offers protection from predators. After fertilization, the eggs stick together in clusters or float in water. The aquatic environment helps the sperm swim to the eggs easily. Because external fertilization exposes eggs to various risks such as predators or temperature changes, frogs lay hundreds or even thousands of eggs at once to increase survival chances. This method, though less controlled than internal fertilization, suits their amphibious life cycle and dependence on water.