A tadpole is the larval stage of a frog or toad. It typically has a long, streamlined body, a tail for swimming, and no legs. Tadpoles live in water and primarily feed on algae and plant matter. As they grow, they undergo a process called metamorphosis, during which they develop legs and lose their tails. During metamorphosis, tadpoles also change their diet, transitioning from herbivorous to carnivorous as they become adult frogs or toads. This transformation allows them to adapt to life on land. Tadpoles are an important part of aquatic ecosystems, serving as food for various predators.