"The Paradoxical Frog: A Giant Tadpole's Unexpected Diminutive Destiny"
The paradoxical frog (Pseudis paradoxa), found in Northern South America and Trinidad, is known for its unusual growth pattern where the tadpole stage is significantly larger than the adult stage. Tadpoles can grow up to 9 inches, while adults measure only about 3 inches. Studies suggest that these tadpoles grow for a longer period and are well-developed by the time they metamorphose, leading to adults that exhibit little to no growth post-metamorphosis, hence the "shrinking" phenomenon. This species challenges the typical growth patterns seen in other frogs.