The Frog With Strange Feet

The African clawed frog earns its name from sharp, black claws on its hind feet. Its scientific name, Xenopus, literally translates to strange foot in Greek, highlighting these unusual digits.

Unlike most frogs that have webbing, this aquatic species uses its claws to tear apart food and scrape surfaces while underwater. They spend their entire lives in ponds and streams, never needing to venture onto land. Interestingly, they lack a tongue and use their dexterous clawed feet to push prey into their mouths. Because they are so hardy and easy to breed, they have become one of the most studied animals in biology.