Science Snapshot: Small Frogs Can’t Jump (Gracefully)

The combination of fluid and tiny hairs in the inner ear help the vertebrate brain interpret an organism’s position in space and provides a sense of balance. Although these vestibular systems evolved hundreds of millions of years ago, some species are no longer able to make good use of them. According to a paper published today (June 15) in Science Advances, pumpkin toadlets (genus Brachycephalus, and they’re actually frogs) from Brazil have evolved to such diminutive size that there isn’t enough of a vestibular signal to keep the amphibians stable while they jump.

Credit: Videos courtesy of Richard L. Essner, Jr.

[frsd]

An advanced survival instinct. Predator feels so bad for em it lets them go.

[Andy.Jensen]

Looks like me when I try anything athletic.

[nickkorkodylas]

0:08
Attempt to escape Brazil

0:09
The realization you are still going to land in Brazil.

[Markezius]

when you try to flex your jumping skills but then you fail and lie there in shame😢😂

[tomthechest]

That is the most inspiring video i have ever seen, the music the positions the frog actors amazing, please continue making video like this i hope one day you'll succeed. :)

[kck-kck]

When your Acrobatics skill is too low and you run out of stamina points.

[ItzHanzdarseal]

Why do they look dead when they fall?.

[pickle]

his job is take off，and let the gravity take care of the rest

[nonsense_real]

when your controller disconnects mid game:

[patch]

coulndt load the jump action animation

[flyingluke]

When Ur controller didn't took Ur second press for the flip in Rocket league

[munaiverse]

Shoyo Hinata after just nailing a super hard spike <33

[TheWeirdOne]

When they land it looks like they died

[jvr]

They should make a superheroe based on it

[paristroopa]

Jesus Christ is Lord & He's coming soon ❤️🙏🏻👑