Question

Amphibian populations are declining throughout the world. List 2 major factors that have been implicated as likely causes for global amphibian declines.

Answer 1

Two major factors causing the decline of amphibian populations globally are habitat destruction and climate change, both predominantly driven by human actions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Major Factors Contributing to Global Amphibian Declines

Amphibian populations, including those of frogs, are declining globally due to several factors primarily resulting from human activities. Two major factors implicated in these declines are habitat destruction and climate change.

Habitat destruction, such as deforestation and the conversion of wetlands for agriculture or urban development, directly impacts amphibians by reducing or fragmenting their natural living spaces. This destruction leads to a decreased ability for these species to survive and reproduce. Additionally, climate change leads to altered temperatures and precipitation patterns that can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems where amphibians thrive, potentially causing extinction.

Amphibians serve as vital indicators of ecosystem health, and their decline suggests larger problems within food webs and environmental systems. Therefore, the conservation of amphibian populations is critical for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.