Parasite makes frogs grow extra limbs
Jul 9, 2013 18:35:08 GMT
Post by Fossa on Jul 9, 2013 18:35:08 GMT
Since Ollie (Archie) wanted a post in here to kick things off, here's a weird and slightly gruesome (you have been warned!) story about frogs.
www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Frog#p00zbqrc
In the southern states of the US, many frogs have been found with extra limbs. This was not the result of pollution, as initially thought - instead, it was the result of a parasitic flatworm, which is passed in the droppings of herons. In the water, snails eat the eggs and mini worms emerge, which target the limb buds of tadpoles. As they burrow, cells explode and when the limb bud tries to regrow it produces several legs instead of one. The deformed frog is easy prey for herons and the cycle begins again.
Although it's unpleasant you have to marvel at the cleverness of some parasites.
www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Frog#p00zbqrc
In the southern states of the US, many frogs have been found with extra limbs. This was not the result of pollution, as initially thought - instead, it was the result of a parasitic flatworm, which is passed in the droppings of herons. In the water, snails eat the eggs and mini worms emerge, which target the limb buds of tadpoles. As they burrow, cells explode and when the limb bud tries to regrow it produces several legs instead of one. The deformed frog is easy prey for herons and the cycle begins again.
Although it's unpleasant you have to marvel at the cleverness of some parasites.
