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Alytes obstetricans, midwife toad
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Alytes obstetricans, midwife toad
This male midwife toad is carrying an egg string. Specimen held at the Natural History Museum, London
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Media ID 8588071
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10712677
Amphibia Amphibian Anura Lissamphibia Lissamphibian Preserved Specimen Spirit Spirit Jar String Toad Alytes Common Midwife Toad Midwife Toad
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Midwife's Duty: Alytes Obstetricans, the Devoted Midwife Toad, Preserved in Time" This photograph showcases a male Alytes obstetricans, also known as the midwife toad, holding an egg string in its mouth. The image, a part of the esteemed collection at the Natural History Museum in London, offers a glimpse into the reproductive behaviors of this remarkable amphibian species. The midwife toad, a member of the Anura order, Anura being the ancient Greek term for "tailless," is an essential component of the Lissamphibia, a group that includes both modern frogs and toads, as well as their extinct ancestors. This particular specimen belongs to the Alytidae family, which is part of the larger superfamily Discoglossidae, and the suborder Archaeobatrachia. The midwife toad is named for its unique role in the amphibian world. Females lay their eggs in long, gelatinous strings, which the males then carry in their mouths until they hatch. This behavior ensures the safety of the eggs, as the males protect them from predators and other environmental hazards. Preserved in a spirit jar, this specimen offers a tangible connection to the natural world, allowing us to study and appreciate the intricacies of the midwife toad's life cycle. The spirit jar, a common method of preserving specimens for scientific study, contains a mixture of alcohol and other chemicals that prevent decay and preserve the specimen's structural integrity. As we observe this image of the devoted midwife toad, we are reminded of the delicate balance of life and the intricate interconnectedness of all living beings. This photograph serves as a testament to the natural world's beauty and the importance of preserving it for future generations to explore and learn from.
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