Longterm polyamory seems to work just fine for these frogs
Goat frogs, which are native to Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest, are the first known case of an amphibian species in which males maintain lasting relationships with more than one female mate. (Credit: Fábio de Sá/)For male members of the tropical frog species Thoropa taophora, also known as goat frogs, the breeding season is filled with responsibilities. During this ten-month long period, males must do typical frog duties like stake out and defend their territories but they must also navigate an unusually complicated romantic arrangement.This busy lifestyle makes Thoropa taophora a striking exception among amphibians, scientists reported on August 12 in the journal Science Advances. These frogs, which are native to Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest, are the first known case of an amphibian species in which males maintain lasting relationships with more than one female mate.When visiting their mates, the researchers noted, the females have a habit of eating eggs that have already...