Pass out
Posted by Somes Michael on March 23, 2006
Q: Do frogs and toads pass out when they are on their backs?
A: Well, they don't actually "pass out" but they do stop moving and seem to be in a trance-like state. I've never done this myself but I've heard of people who have gotten frogs, toads and lizards to do this. Of course, there's a biological reason that makes sense. Reptiles and amphibians don't have diaphrams, a muscle that allows us to draw air into and force air out of our lungs, so they use their torso muscles to fill and empty their lungs. When a toad or frog is on its back, this position makes breathing difficult so to reduce its oxygen needs, the animal simply goes into a trancelike state. Hope that helps. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( March 23, 2006)