Frogs in Research and Culture

Frogs have been raised commercially for a number of reasons. Firstly as a food source. In a number of countries the legs of frogs are considered a delicacy. This is probably most commonly associated with France but is also the case in Northern Greece, China, the Philippines, some parts of America including Louisiana.

For the long time dead frogs have been used for lessons in dissection and anatomy in schools and universities. Often various parts of the frog would be dyed to highlight the different organs for learning purposes. This practice is now in decline due to concerns over animal welfare that has been raised.

Frogs have also played a large part in helping man to advance scientifically. The link between electricity and the nervous system was discovered in the 18th century due to the study of frogs. African clawed frogs were also studied in the early part of the 20th century when it was found that a hormone in the urine of pregnant women could induce the female frog to lay eggs when it was injected. Furthermore, in 1952 a frog was cloned using the same technique that would later be used to create dolly the sheep. This was the first time that this method had even been used.

Frogs have also featured heavily in popular culture as well as folklore and fairytales. Examples include Kermit the frog and the frog prince who, when kissed, turns from a frog into a handsome prince.

The Moche people of Peru worshipped animals and featured frogs heavily in their artwork.