Although many people assume that frogs and toads are two distinct species, the fact is a little more nuanced. 

It is extremely difficult to tell if a toad is smarter than a frog since the two species overlap in several ways. Hence, their characteristics and intelligence may be similar in several cases. 

Frogs and toads may appear very similar around the equator. Sometimes the only way to tell them apart is to examine their internal organs, such as their teeth and bones.

Same or Different?

Frogs and toads are both amphibians. Amphibians are cold-blooded animals that spend their early lives in water (breathing through gills) and the remainder of their lives on land (breathing with lungs).

Furthermore, frogs and toads are both members of the same order, Anura, which implies they are closely related and share many traits. The Anura order has hundreds of different species of frogs and toads. The various species within the Anura order, however, can seem extremely different, causing some to conclude that toads and frogs are not the same.

Characteristics of Frogs

In some cases, frogs can look and act quite differently from toads. Here are some of the differences you may notice:

• To survive, frogs must dwell near water.
• Have smooth, moist skin that may appear slimy.
• Have a slim build and round, bulging eyes.
• They have large hind legs that allow them to do long, high leaps.
• There have several predators.

The Intelligence of Frogs

Few frogs have the intelligence of mammals or birds, while many do challenge or surpass reptiles, and the most intelligent are regarded to be on par with a bird or lower mammal.

Wood frogs, Rana sylvatica, have shown a rudimentary ability to learn. Many frogs have the ability to learn, although some learn faster than others.

Rhinella marina, the cane toad, exhibits astonishing intelligence. They are attracted to the insects that congregate near street lighting. When the insects fall, the toads consume them quickly. Cane toads can also raid garbage cans, steal dog food, and recognize traffic patterns!

Characteristics of Toads

• It is not necessary to live near water to survive.
• Their skin is rough, dry, and bumpy.
• They have a broad body and oval eyes that do not protrude as much as frogs’ eyes.
• They have short rear legs that allow them to hop rather than leap.
• There aren’t many predators since their skin has a harsh taste and smell that keeps predators away.

The Intelligence of Toads

Toads appear to have a long memory and high emotional intelligence. When one toad snatches food from another, a head tackle is in order. The toad that has been denied food sends a powerful message by laying its upper body on the other toad’s head. Even when separated for 48 hours, the toads do not forgo their thirst for vengeance. 

The Crux

Before you become too confident in your ability to tell frogs from toads, keep in mind that these distinctions do not apply to all species.

In reality, several animals fall between both groups. It’s conceivable to come across a frog with rough skin or even a slimy toad!