In relationship endings, humans employ the trendy tactic of “ghosting.”

However, female frogs take it to a whole new level.

In a fascinating twist known as “tonic immobility,” a recent study reveals that European female frogs play dead to escape the advances of male frogs.

Further, it emphasized that such behavior primarily arises when males get overly persistent.

Resorting to harassment, forced copulation, and intimidation.

During the frog mating season, things get fierce.

Multiple males latch onto a single female, causing immense distress and danger.

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In some cases, it can even prove fatal for the female frog.

However, it’s not always a matter of life and death; it also leads to elevated stress levels.

While humans react to life-threatening situations with a “fight or flight” response, these frogs have a unique strategy termed “avoidance behaviors.”

Researchers have identified three distinct avoidance methods in female frogs: rotation, release calls, and the infamous tonic immobility, also known as death feigning.

Among these, rotation is the most frequently observed tactic, and all three behaviors were witnessed in water.

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However, interestingly, tonic immobility, the ultimate act of playing dead, occurred only once on land.

This isn’t the first time an animal has faked its own death; typically, it’s a survival tactic to evade predators.

But for female frogs, it’s a clever way to escape the unwelcome advances of overzealous male suitors.

The world of frogs, it seems, has its own set of dramatic relationship dynamics.

Showcasing the diverse and fascinating ways in which creatures adapt to their environments.