Stage 1: Egg

• Many species lay their eggs in calm water among vegetation, where the eggs can develop in relative safety.

• The female frog lays numerous eggs in masses that tend to clump together in groupings known as spawn.

• As she deposits the eggs, the male releases sperm onto the eggs and fertilizes them.

Stage 2: Tadpole (Larva)

• Tadpoles, frogs' larvae, have rudimentary gills, a mouth, and a long tail.

• For the first week or two after the tadpole hatches, it moves very little.

• During this time, the tadpole absorbs the remaining yolk left over from the egg, which provides much-needed nourishment.

• After absorbing the yolk, the tadpole is strong enough to swim on its own.

Stage 3: Adult

• At approximately 12 weeks of age, the tadpole's gills and tail have been fully absorbed into the body, meaning that the frog has reached the adult stage of its life cycle.

• It is now ready to venture out onto dry land and, in time, repeat the life cycle.