THE SILENCE OF THE FROGS Chapter 1.1
Amphibians have been around for more than 400 million years. Frogs and their relatives have adapted to the ice age and global warming. They can be found in most ecosystems that include water. ECOSYSTEM – is a term used to describe the relationships among the many species living in an environment and the relationship among those organisms and the non-living components of the environment. Abiotic (non-living) and Biotic (living) component Examples: Wetlands, marshes, deserts, lakes, oceans, forests.
Why are Scientists Concerned Indicator Species Many believe that the health of amphibians indicates the health of the ecosystem they live in. Breathe through their skin and……. Essentially live two different lives – on water and land Hence the name Amphibian Amphi (on both sides)Bios (life)
Frogs occupy two different ecosystems: Tadpoles – water ecosystem Adult Frogs – Land and Forest Since they are in two ecosystems, they are also in two FOOD CHAINS. FOOD CHAIN – Is a step-by-step sequence linking organisms that feed on each other, starting with a food source such as a plants (producers), and continuing with animals and other living things that feed on plants and on each other (consumers)
FOOD CHAINS
PRODUCER – an organism that can make their own food to give themselves energy. EXAMPLE: Plants, algae CONSUMERS: an organism that must get its energy by eating another organism ( cannot make their own food ) EXAMPLE: animals Parts of a Food Chain: All Food Chains start with the sun as it’s source of energy!
FROGS IN THEIR ECOSYSTEMS What do adult frogs eat? Insects ( mostly ) Small fish ( limited ) What animals eat frogs? Large fish Predatory birds Reptiles Small mammals
The adult frog is part of a food chain that includes PRODUCERS, HERBIVORES, CARNIVORES, OMNIVORES. HERBIVORE – Organism that eat only plants EXAMPLE : Deer, Cow CARNIVORE – Organism that eats only animals EXAMPLE : Hawk, Tiger
OMNIVORE : Organism that eats both plants and animals. EXAMPLE: Bears, Humans What do tadpoles eat? Algae ( small plant-like organisms) Both living and dead
The Tadpole is a _________, where the adult frog is a __________. Therefore, the Tadpole is in a different food chain. The Tadpole has two food sources: 1. producers ( algae ) 2. Detritus DETRITUS – Waste from plants and animals, including their dead remains
Detritus food chains are critical in the recycling of matter in ecosystems. Decomposers are in a Detritus food chain which helps release nutrients to the soil and water. Plants and algae use those nutrients to grow. DECOMPOSERS – An organism that gets its energy by consuming and breaking down detritus. EXAMPLES: Bacteria, fungus
Frog/Tadpole Food Chains Copy both Food Chains into your notebooks Be sure to clearly label each component
WHY ARE FROGS DISAPPEARING?
The Last Frog Video After viewing the video, respond to the following: 1. List 3 reasons cited in the video that helps explain the disappearance of the frogs. 2. What are some things that WE can do as a society to help prevent further declination of the frog species?
What are the four major factors given in the text for frog decline?
1. LOSS OF HABITAT This is mention as the main cause We are destroying the water with pollution We are cutting down forests We are building highways and cities between the two ecosystems.
2. AIR AND WATER QUALITY Frogs have thin skin and no protection from the sun. Frogs breathe through their skin and by lungs. Acid rain therefore can go through their skin This affects the ability to reproduce
3. ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION The thin skin is also susceptible to UV radiation. Frogs have adapted by developing a black skin and laying black eggs. Scientists don’t believe that frogs will adapt as fast as global warming. Why not that beat the ice age!!!
4. CLIMATE CHANGES Human activities are causing changes in the climate. Increase use of fossil fuels ( coal, oil, gas) Climate changes affect the local ecosystems.
Section 1.1 Silence of the Frogs (Pg Wksheet) Questions 1-11