Parasites
make frogs grow extra legs
Two new studies of frogs in western
states give a big boost to parasites as an explanation of the widespread
deformities.
References:
Johnson, P.T.J., et al. 1999. The effect of trematode infection
on amphibian limb development and survivorship. Science 284(April
30):802.
Sessions, S.K., R.A. Franssen, and V.L. Horner. 1999. Morphological
clues from multilegged frogs: Are retinoids to blame? Science
284(April 30):800.
Further Readings:
Burkhart, J.G., et al. 1998. Induction of mortality and malformation
in Xenopus laevis embryos by water sources associated with field frog
deformities. Environmental Health Perspectives 106(December):841.
Mlot, C. 1997. Water link to
frog deformities strengthened. Science News 152(Oct. 11):230.
A background, resources, and pictures of deformed frogs in Minnesota
can be found at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/hot/frogs.html.
Sources:
Pieter T.J. Johnson
Claremont McKenna College
Roberts Environmental Center
W.M. Keck Science Center
925 North Mills Road
Claremont, CA 91711-5916
Stanley K. Sessions
Hartwick College
Department of Biology
Oneonta, NY 13820
From Science
News, Vol. 155, No. 18, May 1, 1999, p. 277.
Copyright © 1999, Science Service.
