Frogs have long fascinated scientists with their ability to seemingly “walk” on water. Researchers studying the cricket frog, native to Virginia and North Carolina, have made a groundbreaking discovery about this unique behavior.
In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, researchers found that frogs do not actually walk on water, but rather use a technique called “porpoising” to propel themselves through the air. This involves jumping from beneath the surface of the water, using their legs to push themselves upwards and forwards.
To understand this behavior, the researchers used high-speed cameras to record the frogs’ movements in slow motion. They found that each jump cycle consists of four phases: takeoff, aerial, re-entry, and recovery. The frog’s body position relative to the waterline also plays a crucial role in its ability to balance itself.
This discovery has significant implications for the field of robotics, particularly in the development of bio-inspired systems that can operate in aquatic environments. The team believes that the principles underlying porpoising could be used to create more efficient and effective solutions for water testing and measurement systems.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1070003