Global Amphibian Decline

Question 1

Anatomy of tadpole or polliwog

Answer 1

short, oval bodies with broad tails, small mouths, and no external gills
long GI tract and no lungs
2wks-3 yrs

Question 2

Larvae anatomy

Answer 2

free-living embryo (small version of adults)
fully developed limbs, external gills, a tail fin, distinctive larval dentition, a rudimentary tongue, and absence of eyelids
2-4 months-> 2-3 yrs

Question 3

Frogs/toads anatomy

Answer 3

short body, elongated hind limbs, absence of visible neck and tail
highly permeable skin used for absorbing water and respiration
short GI with cloaca
lay exterior eggs developed outside of body

Question 4

Salamander/newts anatomy

Answer 4

2-4 legs
3 types of respiration: gills, lungs, or skin respiration
cloaca
lay exterior eggs

Question 5

Factors of global decline

Answer 5

overharvesting, competition with invasive species, habitat alteration, environmental contaminants, climate change, increases in infectious diseases

Question 6

What percentage of amphibian species are declining?

Answer 6

~43%
12 for birds and 23 for mammals

Question 7

Which pathogenic microorganisms are of most importance to the decline

Answer 7

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis fungus and ranavirus