LIFE SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Amphibian eggs, unlike those of reptiles, birds and mammals, are not amniotic. The eggs are therefore in danger of drying out if they lie on land. Laying the eggs in water prevents drying out, and many amphibian species add a second level of protection by covering their eggs with a jelly-like substance.

Detailed explanation-2: -Frog eggs are protected by a thin layer of gelatinous covering around them. This gelatinous covering has a high water content that protects the eggs from drying and prevents them from being eaten up by other animals or predators.

Detailed explanation-3: -Amphibians have soft, generally moist skin without scales. Their eggs do not have shells and so they must be laid in water or a damp environment to keep from drying out.

Detailed explanation-4: -Amphibian eggs can be laid in the water (top) or on land in moist environments (bottom). All frogs and some salamanders in Pennsylvania lay their eggs in water. Salamanders that lay their eggs on land often guard them from predators, like this red-backed salamander.