Lorne Davis, age 12, of Downview, Ontario,Canada, for his question:

Why do frogs like swamps?

The word "amphibian" means "land" and "water." As we know, it refers to animals who spend one life stage in the water and a later stage on the land. This, of course, applies to the frogs. As tadpoles, they absorb oxygen from the water through fishy gills. Later they trade their gills for air breathing lungs. At this point, they are equipped to leave the ponds of their childhood and live the rest of their lives on the dry land. Or so you would think.

Actually, the amphibians never adapted themselves for living far from the water. Their remarkable skins must be kept moist at all times. They do not dare to venture far away because a long exposure to the dry air is fatal. Frogs happen to be sociable creatures, fond of the company of their friends and relatives. Family groups usually stay around the swamps, ponds and streams where they were born. Many generations often stay in the same suitable surroundings.