Definition

Noun: * Tailed toad: A species of frog native to western North America, characterized by the male possessing a tail-like extension used for reproduction. This common name specifically refers to the Ascaphus truei species, also known as the coastal tailed frog.

Usage Notes

• The term "tailed toad" is a compound noun. The defining feature is the "tailed" characteristic, which refers to the unique cloacal extension in males.
• It is important to note that this animal is biologically a frog, not a toad. The name "toad" in its common name is a traditional misnomer.
• This term is used in zoology, herpetology, and natural history contexts to identify this specific amphibian.

Examples

• The tailed toad is an ancient lineage of frog found in cold, fast-flowing streams.
• Researchers are studying the breeding behavior of the tailed toad.
• A key identifying feature of the male tailed toad is its copulatory organ.

Advanced Usage

• The tailed toad is considered a living fossil due to its primitive morphological traits.
• Conservation efforts focus on protecting the clear, rocky stream habitats essential for the tailed toad.

Variants and Related Words

• Tailed frog: A more accurate common name for the same species ( and ).
• Ascaphus: The genus name for tailed frogs.
• Coastal tailed frog: Another common name specifying .

Synonyms

• Tailed frog
• Coastal tailed frog (for )
• Rocky Mountain tailed frog (for )

Different Meanings

• The term "tailed" as an adjective generally means "having a tail."
• The term "toad" alone refers to a different group of amphibians in the family Bufonidae, typically with drier, wartier skin than frogs.
• The compound "tailed toad" has only one specific zoological meaning, as defined above. It is not used idiomatically.

Noun

1. western North American frog with a taillike copulatory organ