Definition

Noun: * African clawed frog: A fully aquatic, tongueless frog (Xenopus laevis) native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by its flattened body, small eyes on top of the head, and three short black claws on each hind foot, which it uses for tearing food. It has become an invasive species in some regions, like parts of the United States, due to accidental or intentional release from laboratories and aquariums.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The African clawed frog is a popular model organism in biological research.
  • Scientists use the African clawed frog to study embryonic development.
  • In some areas, released African clawed frogs have outcompeted native amphibians.

Advanced Usage

• As a model organism: The term is frequently used in scientific contexts to refer to this species' role in laboratory research, particularly in developmental biology, genetics, and toxicology.
  • The discovery was made using African clawed frog embryos.
• In an ecological context: The term is used to discuss invasive species and ecological impact.
  • The spread of the African clawed frog is a threat to local biodiversity.

Variants and Related Words

• Xenopus laevis (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the African clawed frog.
• Clawed frog (n): A more general common name, though it most often refers to this specific African species.
• Platanna (n): A regional common name for the African clawed frog, used primarily in Southern Africa.

Synonyms

• Xenopus (n): While this is the genus name and includes other species, in common scientific parlance it is often used synonymously with , the African clawed frog.

Related Phrases

• Laboratory frog: A descriptive phrase often associated with the African clawed frog due to its extensive use in research.
• Aquarium frog: A descriptive phrase referencing its history as a pet trade animal.

Noun

1. a tongueless frog native to Africa; established in the United States as result of release of laboratory and aquarium animals