It intrigues me that, the poisonous amphibian (frogs) evolutionary process might play pivotal role and especially genetically have to do with their morphological appearances in poisonous frogs alluring appearances than the regular frogs whether tropical forest or temperate. Any other specific reasons or detail classifications for such existance of differences in amphibians. Elaborate, please (Thank you).
I'm not sure I completely understand your question, but if you're asking why the poisonous frogs have such bright colors compared to the "regular" frog species, then it's because bright colors and patterns are aposematic - meaning they're used to repel/warn potential predators.
In venomous/poisonous organisms (animals, plants, fungi), bright coloration has always been associated with toxicity levels and this is, clearly, favored by evolution (it protects both the toxic prey and the predator). This is also illustrated in organisms using batesian mimicry (they are not toxic, but they display bright colors and, thus, tend to be avoided by predators).
I agree with Ghassen Kmira. Another benefit is that they are advertising for reproduction as they can afford to be colorful. You could turn it around and ask why aren't all frogs extremely colorful? Most frogs depend on camouflage to avoid predators. Poisonous frogs don't need to hide from most predators. Now I'm wondering if poisonous frogs are as loud as other frogs, since their coloring makes it easier for potential mates to find them. Also most poisonous frogs live in rain forests, where the flora around them is also very colorful.
Miriam Kritzer Van Zant
I am quite certain this got started as advertising for the opposite gender.
The frogs I got in temperate climate do prefer bright colours so much they will attempt to mate with a colourful ball - instead of one actual female. So Miriams example with flowers nearby, might indeed have contributed to the evolutionary process. (We do not have any local poisonous frog btw.)
While toads and salamanders who indeed are poisonous, do not advertise that at all with bright colours but come with dull colours like black or brown.
That such a colour later get interpreted as a warning signal by some species, might of course speed up the selection toward stronger colours later on.
Mostly to keep the predators away... those bright colours act as warning signals... there can be other reasons as well i am not aware with....
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