Brevicipitidae

/ˌbrɛvɪsɪˈpaɪtɪdi/ noun

Definition

A family of small, squat frogs found mainly in Africa and South America that have shortened limbs and spend most of their time burrowing in soil rather than jumping.

Etymology

From Latin 'brevis' (short) and 'cipitis' (headed), combined with the standard zoological suffix '-idae' for family classification. The name describes the distinctive short-headed appearance of these frogs.

Kelly Says

These frogs are masters of going underground—some species can bury themselves completely in seconds, and they reproduce by laying eggs in moist soil where tiny frogs develop directly without a tadpole stage, completely skipping the water entirely!

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