Applying Biomimetics on Frog Calling

Hola!

Welcome to another update on the biomimicry of tadpoles and frogs!

Firstly, let us show you how much our little Frogy has grown in merely three weeks...

If you are observant enough, you would probably notice that spots starts to form on its body and its hind leg muscles starts to develop to incorporate greater leaps

Froglet showing large eyes, strong hind legs and distinct orange patterns on its body 

Throughout this period, the froglet is observed to perform the norm of what normal frogs do

(leaping, feeding on insects, swimming around shallow waters, stoning, etc.)

Frogs are usually nocturnal and are rarely active daytime

Therefore during the day, the froglet usually finds shelter under shadowy areas (eg: under leaves or below rocks), making activities difficult to be observed

Little froglet staring at the camera

However, we have recently discovered and paid attention to one of the behaviors exhibited by the froglet that has sparked our interests. This behavior may appear annoying to most people, especially after rainy nights......

You've probably guess it by now, the behavior that we are going to discuss about in this post is

Frog Calling

(source: Benny Trapp)

Frog calling is a behavior exhibited by most male frogs to attract female frogs who are able to locate them from their vocal expression. This activity usually happens after rainy nights, as there will be a higher probability of formation of water pools, or less chances of wet areas being dried out.

(It is mandatory for frogs to lay eggs in water)

So how, and for what purpose are we mimicking frog callings?

(we don't attract females by croaking do we?!)

(Source: Africa Gomez)

Frogs, more specifically male Japanese tree frogs has learnt the ability to "co-operate" with other male frogs so that they will not call at the same time to prevent confusion. 

This is also known as "desynchronization", where the frogs is capable of timing their vocal expression at different intervals in order to prevent overlapping.

Therefore, by desynchronization, a female frog then has the capability to differentiate between the vibrations showcased by each male frog and is capable to accurately and precisely locate her preferrable choice.

(Source: AnonMoos)

Research and investigation has shown by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia that frog callings actually can help us in improving wireless connection networks. 

But how?

When nodes of wireless networks are connected to each other, colours are assigned to each node in order to ensure that each pair of nodes are not in the same colour. This technique is also known as Distributed Graph Colouring. 

However, there is a probability that these nodes will overlap among colours, causing an inefficient connection.

This distinct "desynchronization" behavior of male frogs have lead researchers in the mentioned institute to develop an entirely new mathematical algorithm. By assigning the new mathematical algorithm, the overlapping of colours between nodes are eliminated, thus avoiding or mitigating electrical interference in wifi connections, ultimately providing a stable and reliable network.

The outcome of this new mathematical algorithm results in a staggering improvement in 90% of the studies and investigations performed during the experiment conducted by the Hernandez and Blum from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.

Therefore, modern wireless networks are optimized in terms of productivity and energy efficiency,
all thanks to the inspirations obtained from frogs!

To end today's post, we shall conclude with a video of our froglet attempting to perform "frog calling"
Pay attention to its vocal sac, and watch in HD for maximum viewing pleasure

Enjoy!

Thank you for reading!
Drop your comments below
:)

For more information about this, check out the detailed journal of this subject:

Distributed Graph Colouring: An Approach Based on the Calling Behavior of Japanese Tree Frogs