Keeping an Eye on Frogs

Why were canaries used in coal mines?

• To help guide miners in the dark

• To warn miners about flooding

• Because they could detect toxic gases

• Because they were good pets

What does the term “indicator species” mean?

• A species that is in danger of extinction

• A species that can live in all environments

• A species that shows signs of environmental health

• A species used for medical research

Why are frogs good indicator species?

• They live only in water

• They are very large and noticeable

• They live on land and in water and have porous skin

• They are easy to track with GPS

What did the Global Amphibian Assessment (GAA) discover in 2004?

• Most amphibians were thriving

• Frogs had started flying

• Many amphibian species were declining or endangered

• Amphibians were only found in deserts

What percentage of amphibian species were in decline, according to the GAA?

• 10%

• 25%

• 43%

• 75%

What environmental factor can affect amphibian breeding patterns?

• Moon phases

• Pollution from factories

• Climate change and global warming

• Soil type

What is the greatest threat to amphibians today?

• Being hunted by predators

• Loss of habitat

• Lack of food

• Cold temperatures

What are “invasive species”?

• Animals that go extinct naturally

• Species that move into new areas and disrupt ecosystems

• Species that only live in wetlands

• Native species that help other species

Where were amphibians found to be declining?

• Only in polluted cities

• Only in the rainforest

• In wetlands, prairies, deserts, and forests

• Only in areas with lots of people

How long have amphibians existed on Earth?

• 100 years

• Since the year 1000

• Over 400 million years

• 1 million years