What process leads to the conversion of a tadpole into an adult frog?

The conversion of a tadpole into an adult frog is called metamorphosis. This process is a complex developmental change wherein the tadpole, which is aquatic and has gills, undergoes a series of transformations to develop into a frog, which is primarily terrestrial and breathes air with lungs. During metamorphosis, significant physiological changes occur, including the absorption of the tail, development of limbs, and alterations in skin structure and function. These changes enable the frog to adapt from an entirely aquatic life as a tadpole to a semi-terrestrial lifestyle as an adult frog, showcasing the remarkable adaptability and life cycle of amphibians.

Hibernation, fertilization, and evolution refer to different biological processes that do not directly relate to the transformation of a tadpole into a frog. Hibernation is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in some animals during cold periods. Fertilization is the process of combining sperm and egg leading to the formation of a zygote, and evolution refers to the gradual change in species over time, rather than the specific developmental process of an individual organism transitioning between life stages.