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This really depends on how strictly you define 'generalist' and 'specialist'. Some frog species would be better classified as generalists, others specialists. No frogs come to mind, but an example of an anuran that is a generalist is the cane toad or marine toad, Bufo marinus. This toad is native to Hawaii but was introduced to Australia in 1935 in an attempt at biological control. The toads were supposed to eat the cane beetle, but when faced with far more palatable food, had no impact on the beetles whatsoever. They quickly spread out of control and are now a widespread pest. The cane toads are so successful because they are not specialists at all. They will breed in any water that is not too turbulent, including slightly brackish water and mud puddles. They will eat anything and I mean anything. They are intelligent and resourceful. I have personally witnessed them climbing a chickenwire fence to lick Spiders out of their webs. I am not joking.

Generally speaking, most frogs are probably specialists. Most frog species have a relatively small range of temperatures and habitats they can tolerate - unlike the cane toad. Many have specialised diets to the point of only eating one or two species. Many also have highly specialised breeding habits. Many poison dart frogs (Phyllobates, Dendrobates, Epipedobates species amongst others) will only breed in bromeliads. Eliminate the bromeliads and the frogs die out. This is definitely specialisation.

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17y ago

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