Frogs are very sensitive to the conditions in their environment. Their skin can easily absorb substances that it touches and their eggs don’t have a hard protective shell. Because of this, they can serve as an indicator species—they can give early warning about harmful changes in environmental conditions. Frog populations may become smaller and some frogs may develop unusual malformations, such as missing eyes, missing or misshapen limbs, or extra limbs.
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Possible Causes of Malformed Frogs
Scientists study frogs because the environmental factors that affect frogs’ health may also impact other animals in the ecosystem, including humans.
Click on the left to watch a video about how environmental conditions are affecting frogs.
What three environmental factors can cause frog malformations? Write your response, then click "Save."