Question

Assertion: Frogs shows hibernation and aestivation Reason: This protect frog from extreme heat and cold respectively.

Short answer

Both the assertion and the reason are correct, moreover the reason accurately explains the assertion.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Key Terms

Start by comprehending the key terms. Hibernation is a state characterized by inactivity and lower metabolic rate in animals during extreme cold. Aestivation, on the other hand, is a similar state but during extremely hot and dry conditions. Both are survival adaptations to unfavorable weather conditions.

Relating Key Terms to Assertion

Frogs are known to display both hibernation and aestivation as a response to extreme cold and hot conditions respectively. During hibernation, frogs seek refuge in muddy areas or buried in substrate, and during aestivation they can burrow into the ground. These behaviors align with the given assertion.

Linking Reason to Assertion

Hibernation and aestivation in frogs are indeed survival strategies to protect themselves from extreme cold and heat respectively, hence aligning the reason with the assertion.

Key concepts

Hibernation

Hibernation is an intriguing survival strategy used by certain animals to survive through harsh winter conditions. During hibernation, animals enter a state of deep sleep where their metabolic processes significantly slow down. This reduction in metabolism helps conserve energy, allowing animals like frogs to survive long periods without food.
The body temperature of a hibernating animal drops, sometimes very close to the surrounding ambient temperature. This adaptation is crucial in ensuring that energy reserves last through winter. In frogs, hibernation typically occurs in safe, insulated environments such as beneath mud in ponds or within soil and debris. These environments shield the frog from freezing temperatures, preserving its life until warmer conditions return.
Frogs, in particular, are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Hibernation allows them to bypass the challenge of finding heat and food during winter, making it a vital aspect of their survival.

Aestivation

Aestivation is similar to hibernation but is a strategy used during extremely hot and dry periods. Just as hibernation helps animals conserve energy during winter, aestivation aids in survival through intense heat and drought.
During aestivation, the metabolic rate of animals like frogs drops, significantly reducing the need for water and food. This is crucial, especially in arid environments where resources become scarce. Frogs may burrow underground or seek moist refuges to maintain hydration and avoid the sweltering heat. These behaviors help frogs preserve life when surface conditions are inhospitable.
By entering aestivation, frogs essentially "pause" their daily activities and physiological processes, enabling them to withstand periods when their usual habitats can't support life due to extreme dryness.

Frog Behavior

Frog behavior is closely linked with their survival needs, especially in response to temperature extremes. Frogs are known to be adaptable, utilizing both hibernation and aestivation to survive unfavorable conditions.
For a frog, behavior such as seeking refuge in mud during winter (hibernation) or burrowing into the ground during summer (aestivation) is instinctual. These actions are crucial for maintaining life until more favorable conditions return.
Understanding frog behavior helps us see how these amphibians manage to thrive in various climates around the world. It showcases their resilience and the importance of behavioral adaptations in animal survival. In essence, the ability of frogs to hibernate and aestivate is a testament to their remarkable adaptability and survival skills.