The effect of trematode infection on amphibian limb development and survivorship.

摘要: The causes of amphibian deformities and their role in widespread declines remain conjectural. Severe limb abnormalities were induced at high frequencies Pacific treefrogs (Hyla regilla) exposed to cercariae a trematode parasite (Ribeiroia sp.). closely matched those observed field sites, an increase density caused abnormality frequency decline tadpole survivorship. These findings call for further investigation infection as cause other sites species.