What physiological adaptation allows the Wood Frog to survive freezing solid during winter?
Answer
Possession of specialized cryoprotectants
One of the most remarkable attributes of the Wood Frog is its specialized physiological adaptation allowing it to withstand freezing temperatures, a process unique among many woodland amphibians. This tolerance is achieved through the presence of natural antifreeze agents within its body fluids, referred to as cryoprotectants. These substances protect vital tissues by managing ice formation, allowing up to $65\%$ of the frog's body water to turn into ice and its heart function to cease temporarily, with a full recovery upon thawing in the spring.
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