Xenopus laevis

Xenopus laevis, commonly known as the African clawed frog, is an aquatic amphibian widely used in scientific research due to its ease of care and remarkable development. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, it has smooth, dark skin, a broad head, and powerful hind legs for jumping. These frogs are important in studying embryonic development, genetics, and cell biology because their eggs are large, transparent, and develop outside the mother's body, allowing scientists to observe early stages of life. Xenopus laevis has contributed significantly to biomedical advances and remains a valuable model organism in biological research.