Once thought to be a rare occurrence among terrestrial animals, fluorescence is more widespread than scientists once thought. Frogs’ fluorescence was first discovered in 2017. Before that, scientists were not aware that some of these amphibians were biofluorescent. Biofluorescence has to do with light wavelengths. According to a report published in the scientific journal Nature, […]
Tag: frogs
In Bangladesh, microplastic threat to frogs is also concern for rice farming
DHAKA — Studies on the hazards of microplastics have tended to focus on their presence in the food chain and risks to human health. A new study now shows they also pose a threat to the quality of freshwater environments by impacting a wide range of frog species. The study of 27 frogs from nine […]
A New Breakthrough in Combating the Deadliest Frog Disease
You may not have heard of this ‘panzootic,’ a pandemic ravaging the animal kingdom. Over the last four decades, Chytridiomycosis, popularly known as ‘chytrid’, has decimated global frog populations, driving over 500 species towards decline and causing 90 extinctions, making it the most lethal known animal disease. Chytrid, an amphibian fungal disease originating in Asia, […]
New Species of Barred Frog Discovered in Australia
Mixophyes is a genus of large ground-dwelling frogs from eastern Australia and New Guinea. They are commonly known as barred river frogs or barred frogs due to the distinctive dark cross-bars on their arms and legs, and their association with flowing streams. “At present, Mixophyes comprises seven species from eastern Australia and a single southern […]
How Animals Evolved with Bright Colors without Being Eaten
For years, evolutionary biologists have been puzzled by the paradox of aposematism. This is the evolutionary process that sees animals, like frogs, develop bright colors to warn potential predators that eating them will make them sick or even kill them. It seems counterintuitive that such colors could evolve, as animals that stand out are usually […]
Frog Populations Are Declining Worldwide With Alarming Number Of Extinctions In Past Two Decades
Frogs have been on Earth for millions of years, but many are now listed as endangered. The last two decades have taken quite a toll on the amphibians. AmphibiaWeb states, “nearly 168 species are believed to have gone extinct and at least 2,469 (43%) more have populations that are declining.” They are an important part […]
Study: Glassfrogs Hide Red Blood Cells in Their Liver to Achieve Transparency
Transparency in animals is a complex form of camouflage involving mechanisms that reduce the scattering and absorption of light throughout the organism. Many species have evolved transparency, but it is particularly challenging for vertebrates because red blood cells attenuate light. In a new study, researchers from Duke University and elsewhere found that glassfrogs are able […]
4 Things About Red-Eared Slider Turtles You Likely Haven’t Heard Of
There are over two hundred different species of sliders, and most of them reside in the Americas. These turtles are recognizably different from one another, with some having red or orange markings on their shells and heads. In this blog post, we will explore four things you likely haven’t heard of about red-eared sliders. From […]