Introduction to My Environmental Science Research Topic

Every new invention that claims to be the best thing next to sliced bread, our environment is impacted and continues to feel the negative effects of the ever changing technological society we live in. One of nature’s most valuable little critters are on a downward spiral due to the nature of technology, pollution, pesticides, medicine, construction and human population. Every bit of toxic waste that finds it way in to our water means innocent frogs are the victims of human negligence. Frogs are an important part of our ecosystem and many environmental factors can either benefit or destroy the frog population.

There are prominently 4,000 different varieties of frogs and toads that live around the world ("How to tell,”). Ranging from their brilliant eye-catching colors to their unattractive bumpy exterior, frogs are becoming infected with a fungus called chytrid (Kriger, 2008-2011). There are over 1,000 different types of chytrid fungus, but the main strain that affects frogs is Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) (Pessier, 2012). Another enemy of frogs is the widely used pesticide, atrazine (Kriger, 2008-2011). Atrazine interrupts the male reproductive system and turns them into hermaphrodites. Male frogs are now producing eggs and the offspring will only be males.

Sources:

How to tell apart different types of frogs. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.frog-life-cycle.com/types-of-frogs.html

Kriger, K. (2008-2011). Threats to frogs. Retrieved from http://www.savethefrogs.com/how-to-help/index.html

Pessier, A. (2012). The amphibian chytrid fungus and chytridiomycosis. Retrieved from http://www.amphibianark.org/the-crisis/chytrid-fungus/