midwife toad

views updated May 14 2018

midwife toad a European toad, the male of which carries the developing eggs wrapped around his hind legs. The Austrian zoologist Paul Kammerer (1880–1926) showed specimens of the animal which appeared to support the evolutionary theories of Lamarckism, but the apparent development of nuptial pads on the forefeet was shown to be fraudulent.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

midwife toad

views updated May 21 2018

midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans) See DISCOGLOSSIDAE.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

Alytes obstetricans

views updated May 11 2018

Alytes obstetricans (midwife toad) See DISCOGLOSSIDAE.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

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Midwife toad

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