Chytrid Research Paper

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In the world, there are approximately 4,740 species of frogs that can most likely be found in warm, tropical regions near the equator (). Frogs mostly remain near water or moist areas because they are amphibians. Frogs breathe and absorb water through their skin to collect vital nutrients that they need to survive. A frog is important to an ecosystem because they serve as a predator and prey, but what will happen to the ecosystem if all the frogs are extinct? Over 100 different species have gone extinct, and approximately 287 species of amphibians around the world have been detected with the newly found fungus known as Chytrid ().
Chytrid, formally known as Chytridiomycosis, is an emerging infectious disease of amphibians caused by an aquatic fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis or Bd (). Bd occurs inside the cells of the outer skin layers that contain large amounts of a protein called keratin (). Keratin makes the outside of the skin tough and resistant to injury, which is some cases is a good thing, but not for frogs. When infected with the Chytrid fungus, a frog's skin becomes very thick making it impossible for a frog to absorb oxygen and water. Other unknown causes are present, scientists also have theories, but Chytrid is the number one cause of …show more content…

Researchers believe that climate, toxins, and waste can also contribute to the disappearances of amphibians. Toxins and waste that have been dumped in or nearby water ecosystems have cause frogs to mutate. Frogs have been seen with no legs or arms, only one leg or arm, or three or four legs. In some areas, researchers have found male frogs that are carrying eggs in their reproductive organs like a female. These frogs have “transformed” into female frogs. These mutations and deformities are a serious issue because the genes can be passes down to the larvae and they could also be

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