Ohio’s amphibians are disappearing.
Amphibians that eat insects exposed to dangerous herbicides are leading to “local extinction,” Scott Moody, associate professor of Biological Sciences, explained at Wednesday’s Science Cafe.
“Life is a series of contingencies” Moody said. “Protecting frogs is important as it ultimately protects us.”
Moody applied to be an OU professor in 1979.
The herbicides can affect the entire food chain. The only environment with a documented increase in reproducing adults is the zoo.
Amphibians are an indication of what is happening in the greater environment and can indicate humans’ futures, Moody said.
African clawed frogs were introduced into the United States in the early 1950s to use in pregnancy tests contained a new emerging pathogen called “chytrid fungus,” which has diminished amphibian populations all across the world.
The nature of this discussion piqued the interests of many students in attendance.
The impact such a small action can have on the entire environment was impressive, said Alyssa, a freshman studying animation.
Moody’s solution? Purchase food that wasn’t produce with pesticides.
Alexander, a senior in high school, was eager to attend the session after being accepted into the university’s chemical engineering program.
bj844311@ohiou.edu
@Bret_Jamerson
