The Alaska wood frog (Rana sylvatica) has an extraordinary ability to survive the winter: it can freeze a large part of its body and then fully thaw in spring. Falling temperatures trigger a massive production of glucose, which acts as a natural antifreeze and reduces the formation of harmful ice crystals inside cells. During the freezing period, up to about 65 % of its body water can solidify. At this time, breathing, heartbeat, blood circulation and brain activity cease, and metabolism comes n

In the frozen wilderness of Alaska, wood frogs survive winter using one of the most extraordinary biological tricks in the animal kingdom: they freeze solid. Their hearts stop beating, their blood turns to ice, and their bodies enter a suspended state until spring returns—when they thaw out and come back to life. Important Details: • Up to 70% of the frog’s body water freezes during winter hibernation • Their liver produces large amounts of glucose, which acts like antifreeze to protect cells •

The wood frog is one of nature's most resilient and adaptable creatures, occupying a range that — at the species level — spans thousands of miles of varied habitats. Perhaps most interesting of all is that this hardy frog has the amazing ability to freeze solid when temperatures plummet... and survive the experience! If you are interested in learning more about the wood frog — and also about vernal pools, cryoprotectants, and holistic approaches to conservation — check out the brand new video! |