Frogs and toads are famous for their jumping ability, but how they jump involves some amazing anatomy and physics!

🦵 1. Powerful Hind Legs

Both frogs and toads have long, muscular hind legs that act like springs.

• The thigh and calf muscles contract and store energy, then release it in one explosive movement.

• Frogs usually have longer legs than toads, which is why they jump farther.

🦴 2. A Special Skeleton for Jumping

Frogs and toads have:

• Fused bones in the lower spine (the urostyle) – this acts like a stiff rod for support during the jump.

• Long ankle bones (tarsals) – this adds extra length to the leg, like extra “levers” for more power.

Their bones are shaped so motion transfers smoothly from hips → legs → toes when they push off.

🪂 3. Jumping Process (Step-by-Step)

StepWhat Happens1. CrouchThey pull legs close, storing energy in muscles like a compressed spring.2. Push-OffPowerful leg muscles extend, launching the body upward and forward.3. Mid-AirFrogs stretch legs backward for balance; arms move forward to prepare for landing.4. LandingFront legs take the first impact, then back legs absorb the rest.

🐸 Frog vs. Toad Jumping

FeatureFrogsToadsLeg lengthLong, strong legsShorter legsStyleBig leaps, sometimes several feetShort hops or walkingBody shapeSlim and built for speedChunkier, slow-moving

So frogs are built for jumping far, while toads are built for hopping short distances and staying hidden.

🧠 Fun Fact

Some frogs can jump 20 times their body length in one leap — that’s like a human jumping over a school bus!