Amphibians are dying in large numbers after being infected by an aquatic fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The origin of this fungus is unknown, but scientists suspect
that humans are helping spread it. More than 350 amphibian species have been affected, and
at least 200 species of frogs have suffered serious reductions in population or become extinct.
The map below shows the worldwide distribution of B. dendrobatidis.
What will be the most likely impact of the decline in frog populations resulting from the fungal
infection?
Plants will no longer grow in the waters of the affected ecosystems, and fish species will increase.
O Populations of algae and mosquitos will increase, leading to fish die-offs and potential increases in
human malaria cases.
New species of frogs that feed on both the fungus and the infected species of frogs will evolve.
O The fungus will move on land and destroy reptile and mammal populations in tropical ecosystems.