Articles tagged with Frogs
Biologists have documented the widespread presence of the notorious chytrid fungus in 80 species of frogs from lowland rainforest sites in the Peruvian Amazon. The study found that even lowland frogs with high levels of fungal infection showed no external signs of disease, suggesting they could serve as a large disease reservoir.
A new study suggests that imprinting on mothers plays a crucial role in shaping the color morphs of poison dart frogs, potentially driving the formation of new species. Researchers found that female frogs tend to choose mates of the same color as their mother, while males choose rivals based on their mother's color.
Researchers map distribution of deadly chytrid fungus using skin swabs, revealing four known lineages and a new one originating in Asia. The study provides key insights into the disease's origins and geographic spread.
A team of evolutionary biologists found that diversity exists even when expecting otherwise, as rare warning colors in poison frogs persist alongside stronger signals. The research suggests that predators learn to avoid more distasteful yellow frogs and generalize this avoidance to white frogs.
Goliath frogs create three types of ponds to safeguard their eggs and tadpoles from predators. Researchers observed the frogs' laborious pond-building efforts, which may explain why they evolved to be giant.
Researchers built mini temperature-controlled habitats to study how poison frogs adapt to warmer temperatures. The study found that frogs from sunny pastures prefer higher temperatures, but their maximum tolerance remains unchanged.
Researchers describe 11 new species of rain frogs in the Ecuadorian Andes, showcasing remarkable genetic and morphological diversity. The discovery highlights pressing conservation issues due to habitat destruction and human activities.
A UCF team led by Veronica Urgiles has discovered and named two new frog species found in high-elevation ecosystems of Ecuador. The team's research highlights the vast diversity of species yet to be discovered in the region, which is critical for conservation efforts.
Researchers have detected ranavirus infection in wild bullfrog tadpoles in Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest, linked to declining amphibian populations worldwide. The virus may have spread from frog farms, highlighting the dual threat of invasive species and pathogens.
Researchers discover distinct skin microbiome in frog populations with and without ranavirus outbreaks, suggesting a protective role of skin bacteria. Further study is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this relationship.
Researchers found that atmospheric oxygen exposure triggers removal of interdigital webbing during embryo development. This mechanism is thought to be shared by all tetrapods and contributes to limb shape variation. The study provides insight into the evolutionary process behind limb development in animals.
Researchers found that poison dart frogs possess a sophisticated brain capable of forming a cognitive map of their environment. They demonstrated this by testing the frogs' spatial awareness in a modified Morris water maze, where they successfully located a hidden platform using visual cues and landmarks.
A new study found that rain-filled tracks of Asian elephants provide temporary habitat for breeding and connect frog populations. The tracks can persist for a year or more, serving as stepping stones for the frogs during the dry season.
A team of scientists has developed a 5-step program to keep New Guinea's frogs safe from the species-destroying chytrid fungus. The plan, published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, aims to prevent the fungus from reaching the island while building local capacity for science and disease surveillance.
A UC Davis study found that environmental temperature significantly affects the development of frog eggs into larvae, influencing gene expression and neurodevelopment. The research also suggests that fluctuations in body temperature may impact nervous system development and disease in humans.
Research by Zoological Society of London and University College London reveals that climate change is increasing the spread and severity of a fatal disease in UK common frogs. The disease, caused by Ranavirus, is predicted to become more widespread and frequent if carbon emissions continue at their current rate.
A Yale-led study reveals that 1,012 additional amphibian species are at risk of extinction, with many found in South America and Southeast Asia. The study predicts that more than half of these species are 'Endangered' or 'Critically Endangered',
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that juvenile northern red-legged frogs stressed as tadpoles are less likely to move on land, putting their survival at risk. The study suggests that climate-related stress can have long-term effects on the distribution and persistence of animals in freshwater habitats.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology identify molecular mechanism behind Bombinin H2 and H4 peptides' antimicrobial properties. The peptides inhibit microbial activity by creating holes in cell membranes, ultimately killing microorganisms.
Biologists seek to determine why bodies eliminate DNA during hybridization, aiming to grasp the molecular mechanisms behind this process. By studying frogs, they hope to unlock the secrets of genome elimination and its crucial role in species survival.
Research scientists have uncovered hidden diversity within a type of frog found only in the Seychelles, showing that each island has its own distinct lineage. The study reveals four species of sooglossid frogs are threatened by climate change and disease, including a lethal fungus known as chytrid.
A DNA barcoding study has identified a group of cryptic species among the Warszewitsch's frog, found in Costa Rica and Panama. This finding highlights the need for modern DNA tools to study rapidly declining animal groups like amphibians.
A study of over 1000 frog and toad species found that those living on land invested more time and effort in parental care, leading to increased survival rates and colonization of terrestrial habitats. The research also discovered diverse parenting behaviors, including male involvement in egg protection and female nourishment.
Researchers found that tiny Brazilian frogs, called pumpkin toadlets, have fluorescent patterns on their backs and heads when exposed to UV light. These patterns are created by bony plates beneath a thin layer of skin, allowing the frog's skeleton to glow under UV illumination.
Scientists have named five new species of tiny frogs found across the island of Madagascar, belonging to the 'narrow-mouthed' frog family. These miniature frogs are remarkable for their extreme miniaturization, with some species reaching lengths as small as 7.7 mm.
Biologists have discovered 'doppelganger' lake frogs with distinct mitochondrial DNA, allowing them to better adapt to their environment. The study, conducted in collaboration with Japanese colleagues, aims to understand how the genome protects itself from foreign DNA.
Brazilian scientists have found that the strong odor released by some amphibian species is produced by bacteria, assisting in the animal's mating process. The study suggests that the odor serves to permit mutual recognition between males and females of the same species for mating purposes.
A new species of frog, Astrobatrachus kurichiyana, has been discovered in the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India, revealing a window into the region's deep history. The Starry Dwarf Frog shares ancestry with two existing subfamilies but exhibits divergent characteristics.
The starry dwarf frog is the sole member of an ancient lineage classified as Astrobatrachinae. Its unique constellation-like markings and bright orange underbelly make it a fascinating discovery, providing insights into its deep evolutionary history.
A recent study found that bacteria from frog skin have produced compounds that can inhibit the growth of fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus. The most promising compound, viscosin, showed significant activity against both fungi.
A University of Michigan-led team of biologists has documented 15 rare and disturbing predator-prey interactions in the Amazon rainforest, including images of tarantulas dragging opossums across the forest floor. The study highlights the importance of arthropods like spiders as a source of vertebrate mortality in tropical ecosystems.
A team of paleontologists has discovered the oldest known frog fossils in North America, dating back to the Late Triassic period around 216 million years ago. The fossils, found in Arizona, provide new insights into the ecosystems of the time and highlight the importance of microfossil collection and analysis.
Researchers analyzed over 2 billion US Twitter posts to understand public perception of climate change. They found that people tend to forget what they consider 'normal' weather within 2-8 years, leading to a disconnect between historical climate records and personal opinions.
A global survey of frog skin bacteria reveals that diverse microbial communities thrive in cold, variable environments. Fast-growing bacteria are often outcompeted by slower-dormant types in temperate climates.
A new study found that genetic diversity is key to helping frogs survive the deadly Ranavirus disease. The research showed that a specific combination of immune genes can help tadpoles limit the severity of the virus. This finding has implications for frog species in Florida, which are threatened by the disease.
Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi have identified a new frog species on Bibita Mountain in southwestern Ethiopia, characterized by its slender body, long legs, and golden coloration. The discovery highlights the importance of assessing biodiversity in remote areas and underscores the potential for numerous unknown species to exist.
Researchers from Osaka University develop a mathematical model based on frog choruses to design efficient wireless sensor networks. The study finds that frogs' acoustic teachings can be adapted for technological benefit by alternating data transmission and regulating energy consumption.
Scientists have discovered a new treefrog species in Ecuador's Andes, characterized by an extraordinary enlarged claw-like structure. The species, Hyloscirtus hillisi, is already at risk of extinction due to its small distribution range near a large-scale mining operation and habitat destruction.
Male smooth guardian frogs of Borneo display extended parental care, staying with eggs for 11 days and transporting tadpoles through the forest. The males' selection of artificial pools is influenced by terrain steepness and presence of predators, indicating a unique strategy in frog parenting.
Male tungara frogs in urban environments produce more complex and conspicuous calls to attract females, which are preferred over those of forest frogs. This adaptation suggests that urbanization drives changes in sexual signaling to improve mating success.
A new study found that urban frogs have more conspicuous and complex vocal calls, making them more attractive to females. In contrast, the simpler calls of forest frogs are less appealing.
Research found that tree frogs prefer larger, fuller bromeliad tanks with less leaf litter, but the very largest tanks are often empty. The study suggests that conservation strategies should consider trade-offs in site selection.
A team of scientists conducted over 2,000 surveys of chirping frog calls to define the Atlantic Coast leopard frog's range and characteristics. The study resulted in the first field-verified range map for the species, living primarily in coastal plains from Connecticut to northern North Carolina.
Frogs from quiet ponds exhibit increased stress hormone levels and impaired immune function when exposed to traffic noise. In contrast, frogs from noisy ponds display a dampened stress response and altered immune profile, which reduces the negative effects of traffic noise.
Research suggests that frogs from virus-exposed groups are breeding at significantly younger ages than those in disease-free populations. This decrease in breeding age poses a risk of local extinction due to environmental changes.
A team of scientists has found that translocating frogs from recovering populations to sites where the species was previously driven to extinction can lead to population recovery. The researchers tracked the health and survival of translocated frogs over several years, uncovering key insights into how disease and climate influence popu...
Exposure to neonicotinoids as tadpoles impairs wood frogs' ability to flee from predators, with affected individuals jumping or moving less. However, physical abilities like distance jumped and refuge finding remain unaffected.
New research from Binghamton University found that invasive plant leaf litter and sodium chloride accelerate developmental time and reduce mass of native leopard frogs, while aiding invasive African clawed frogs. The study highlights the importance of considering interactions between multiple stressors in preserving native biodiversity.
Researchers found that some frog species persist despite infection, attributed to eco-evolutionary rescue. This occurs when ecological and evolutionary mechanisms allow for host-pathogen coexistence, including immune adaptation and reduced transmission rates. The study provides a glimpse of hope for amphibian populations threatened by Bd.
A study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that frog populations in El Copé developed the ability to tolerate chytrid fungus, enabling them to persist despite severe species losses. The findings, published in 2018, could mean good news for other hot spots of amphibian biodiversity hit hard by the chytrid fungus.
A new method for screening frogs has been developed by an undergraduate researcher, allowing scientists to detect the deadly pathogen Perkinsea. The test, using qPCR assay, found that 25% of sampled frogs were infected, with the highest prevalence in Gold Head Branch State Park.
A new species of African pygmy toad was discovered on one of Angola's most underexplored mountains, the Serra da Neve Inselberg. The new species lacks ears and is distinct from its close relatives.
A new study provides a roadmap for conservation efforts in human-modified landscapes, helping prioritize protection of fragile ecosystems. The research highlights the importance of forest cover and waterways in determining amphibian distributions.
Researchers at Nagoya University created a composite material that adjusts its appearance based on different types of light and backgrounds, mimicking the color-changing abilities of animals like chameleons. The material features dyes, crystals, and pigments that interact to produce vibrant displays.
Scientists discovered four ancient frog fossils in Myanmar amber, dating back to the Cretaceous period, providing direct evidence of frogs living in wet, tropical forests. The fossils include a well-preserved juvenile frog species named Electrorana limoae, which challenges current understanding of frog evolution and diversification.
New research led by scientists at the University of Bristol has found that bright warning colors on poison dart frogs not only signal danger but also function as camouflage. The frog's pattern allows it to blend in from a distance while still displaying its warning signal when close, providing a clear advantage.
Researchers at the University of Seville have developed an automatic classifier for frog calls using artificial intelligence. The system can identify temperature fluctuations and detect changes in reproductive behavior, providing a powerful indicator of global warming.
A deadly disease threatening frogs originated in East Asia, with global trade and human movement of amphibians contributing to its spread. The study found that the range of the disease expanded greatly between 50 and 120 years ago, coinciding with the rapid expansion of intercontinental trade.
A new study by San Francisco State University researchers links the introduction of American bullfrogs to the spread of a deadly fungus that has wiped out over 200 species of amphibians globally. The team found that bullfrogs were often present in the same watersheds as the fungus, suggesting they may be contributing to its spread.
A study published in Science reveals that some Central American frog species are recovering from a deadly fungal pathogen, with skin secretions showing improved antimicrobial defenses. The research suggests that the pathogen remains lethal, but frogs' natural defenses appear to be more effective than before the epidemic.