Why do some frogs breed in unusual places?

   Most frogs breed near water, but some do breed in unusual places. Tree frogs, for example, many lay their eggs in water that collects in tree hollows- or even in flowers like the bromeliad flower. The vase like shape of this flower allows water to collect inside, and some tree frogs, who never come down from the tree tops, will lay eggs in that water. The water will also be sufficient for a few tadpoles to develop.

            Some of the larger tree frogs of South America dig holes in the ground that fill up with water for the females to lay eggs in, and tadpoles to develop. Some species attach their eggs to leaves that overhang rivers and ponds, so as to prevent the eggs from being eaten by ground predators. The leaves are folded over and stuck together to form a tube for further protection. When the tadpoles hatch, they drop from the jelly right into the water!