Disappearing Frogs

Biologist Vance Vredenburg and his team study amphibians in a protected watershed near San Francisco. They focus on the chytrid fungus, a deadly disease affecting amphibians worldwide. The disease, exacerbated by climate change, threatens many species with extinction. Researchers are investigating why some populations survive while others perish. Conservation efforts include treating infected amphibians and captive breeding programs. Global collaboration is crucial to understanding and mitigating the crisis, as amphibians share many traits with humans and deserve protection.

What are the main threats to amphibians mentioned in the video?

• Disease, pollution, and habitat loss

• Predation, climate change, and overpopulation

• Invasive species, drought, and deforestation

• Lack of food, competition, and urbanization

What is the chytrid fungus and how does it affect amphibians?

• A virus that attacks the nervous system

• A bacteria that causes respiratory issues

• A fungus that infects the skin

• A parasite that affects the digestive system

How might climate change influence the chytrid fungus?

• By having no effect on it

• By eliminating it completely

• By reducing its spread

• By making it more deadly

What is one of the key research questions regarding chytrid fungus?

• Why some populations recover while others do not

• Why the fungus only affects frogs

• Why amphibians are the only affected species

• Why some amphibians are immune to all diseases

What innovative method did Vredenburg use to treat amphibians?

• A milk bath

• A medicinal brew

• A herbal remedy

• A vitamin supplement

What is the goal of the captive breeding program at the San Diego Zoo?

• To sell amphibians as pets

• To return healthy frogs to the wild

• To study amphibian behavior

• To create new amphibian species

Why is it important to understand amphibian disease outbreaks?

• Because they are the largest group of vertebrates

• Because they share traits with humans

• Because they are a major food source

• Because they are the most endangered species