There are over 7,000 frog and toad species on planet Earth, and they have been around for more than 200 million years, at least as long as the dinosaurs!

The world's largest frog is the goliath frog of West Africa—it can grow to 15 inches (38 centimeters) and weigh up to 7 pounds (3.2 kilograms).

One of the smallest is the Cuban tree toad, which grows just half an inch long.

Within Earth's diverse ecosystems, every animal plays a crucial role in maintaining balance.

Throughout their lifecycles, frogs hold a vital place in the food chain as both predator and prey. They not only control insect populations, but also serve as food for birds, fish, and snakes.

Furthermore, their presence also helps regulate algae growth during their tadpole stage, preventing overgrowth, and maintaining water quality.

They have adapted to surviving in extreme weather conditions. Like all amphibians, frogs are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperatures change with the temperature of their surroundings.

When temperatures drop, some frogs dig burrows underground or in the mud at the bottom of ponds. They hibernate in these burrows until spring, completely still and scarcely breathing.

The wood frog can even live north of the Arctic Circle, surviving for weeks with 65 percent of its body frozen. This fella uses glucose in its blood as a kind of antifreeze that concentrates in its vital organs, protecting them from damage while the rest of the body freezes solid.

Frogs also significantly contribute to human progress. According to some estimates, approximately 10 percent of Nobel prizes in physiology and medicine have stemmed from research on these awesome animals.

For example, their skin secretions hold immense potential for pharmaceuticals, with compounds like Epibatidine, derived from poison dart frogs, being 200 times more potent than morphine.

However, amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates on Earth, with up to 40% of their species assessed by the IUCN at risk of extinction.

This means that many frog species are declining and need help from humans if they are to survive.

According to the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, some of the main threats facing amphibians are habitat loss and degradation, pollution, disease, invasive species, trade, and climate change.

For more, check out our post 50 Adorable And Funny Frog Pics To Make Your Day Better.