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ability to produce some sounds. Much of the background noise in a tropical forest at night is produced by vocalizing frogs, with sounds ranging from high-pitched warbles to deep bass croaks. Often, whole populations will call in chorus, drowning out all the other calls of the night.

tiny tree frogs of the tropical forests and the poisonous species of South America have daz- zling colors which serve as warnings to pred- ators. Others show beautiful shades of green and brown to help them blend with their sur- roundings. Frogs are also among the most vocal of vertebrates, most of them having the

This sequence—shot of a common European frog, Rana temporaria, jumping, demonstrates the amazing power and agility of these small creatures. What can’t be shown here is the swiftness with which they spring into the air.

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