Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
16th Edition
ISBN: 9781337569613
Author: G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 4, Problem 1CR
To determine

The term amphibian, the threat faced by these organisms and the result of the extinction of amphibians due to human activities.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1CR

Amphibians are the group of vertebrates that have a dual mode of life. They can live in water and also have a terrestrial life. The amphibians are facing the threat of extinction due to an increase in the hunting activities for the skin, flesh and so on.

The result of the extinction of the amphibian can imbalance the food chain and pose serious consequences to the existence of different organism including humans.

Explanation of Solution

The amphibians are the class of organisms that are cold-blooded animals and live a dual mode. They live in water and also on land, they require water for fertilization. Therefore they are not completely terrestrial animals. The amphibians include frogs, salamanders, toads, and many others.

The amphibians are facing a constant threat of extinction due to the increase in animal hunting, poaching, water pollution, and deforestation. The hunting and poaching include the killing of the animals for various products like skin, nails, horns, teeth, hoofs and so on. This is leading to a progressive decrease in the number of amphibians in several areas.

The deforestation also causes the extinction of the animals as the natural habitat for the amphibians is lost which makes them incapable of surviving in the changing habitat, and as a result, the animals tend to die. The water pollution also causes the destruction of habitat due to the development of various types of disease and infections in amphibians.

The extinction or a decrease in the majority of the amphibian population can result in destructive effects. This is because the amphibians form an important part of the food chain that works to balance various natural processes. The amphibians also act as important bioindicators, implying they can indicate the deteriorating condition of a particular area and its likeliness of causing infections.

The frogs and toads are known to feed on the larva of the mosquito that spread diseases like malaria, typhoid. Without these amphibians, the incidence of such diseases would increase drastically. They also keep the water bodies clean by eating off the algae and other fungal population.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Please help as soon as possible. I have an answer for this, but I'm a bit confused, so any extra assistance would be appreciated!  Complete the cross sections on the front and side of the block diagram in Figure 6.6. Complete the cross-section of the side of the block diagram in Figure 6.7. Complete the front and side of the block diagram in Figure 6.8
a. Draw four sedimentary layers of equal thickness that have a strike of N90°E. (Hint: Sketch the map view first.)b. Each layer is dipping to the south at an angle of 60°.c. On the block diagram complete the map view and both cross-sectional views.d. Add strike-dip symbols for each rock layer on both parts of Figure 6.9.
There is an old axiom (a self-evident or universally recognized truth) of economics that “There is no such thing as a free lunch”. In the United States, stringent, enforced water quality laws and regulations provide a high level of protection of our waters. This is accomplished at a significant cost. For example, (sewage treatment plants use 2% of the electricity produced in the United States. This high level of protection increases the cost of goods manufactured in the United States compared to other nations such as China where standards are lower, enforcement a bit lax and in some cases, non-existent. What five (5) things could be done to “level the playing field” so that all manufacturers must provide the same degree of water quality protection no matter where in the world they are located? include how each of your ideas will be implemented (ex: which organization will be provided the power and resources to make sure each idea happens). These should be only about water pollution,…
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,