Why Frogs Were Used As Pregnancy Tests

Summary

In the 1950s, pregnancy tests using African clawed frogs inadvertently led to a global environmental disaster. After these frogs were released into the wild, they spread a deadly fungus that devastated amphibian populations worldwide, causing the extinction of many species. This incident highlights the delicate balance of ecosystems and the far-reaching consequences of human actions. Despite the tragedy, organizations like Planet Wild are working to protect endangered species through conservation efforts, offering a way for people to contribute to wildlife protection with monthly donations and participation in global projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 African clawed frogs were used in pregnancy tests from the 1930s to 1960s by injecting human urine into them.
• 😀 If a frog started laying eggs after the injection, it indicated the person was pregnant.
• 😀 The process of using frogs for pregnancy tests led to the mass production and shipping of African clawed frogs globally.
• 😀 After home pregnancy tests were invented in the 1970s, many of these frogs were released into the wild.
• 😀 Unbeknownst to researchers, the frogs carried a deadly fungus called chytrid fungus (kitd) on their skin.
• 😀 The chytrid fungus is harmless to African clawed frogs but deadly to other amphibians, causing thickening skin and disrupting vital functions.
• 😀 The release of these frogs into the wild led to the rapid spread of chytrid fungus worldwide.
• 😀 The spread of chytrid fungus caused massive declines in native frog populations, with many species going extinct within a year.
• 😀 A total of 120 amphibian species experienced 90% population loss, and 90 species went extinct due to the fungus.
• 😀 The video encourages people to contribute to conservation efforts like Planet Wild, which supports global wildlife preservation projects, including saving lost frog species.

Q & A

How did pregnancy tests using frogs work in the past?

Pregnancy tests in the past involved injecting a woman's urine into a frog, specifically the African clawed frog. If the frog laid eggs after the injection, it indicated that the woman was pregnant. This method was used widely from the 1930s to the 1960s.

What role did the African clawed frog play in pregnancy testing?

The African clawed frog was central to the pregnancy testing process. Its eggs would only be laid in response to certain hormones found in a pregnant woman’s urine, making it a reliable test for pregnancy during the 20th century.

What led to the extinction of many amphibian species?

The release of African clawed frogs into the wild after home pregnancy tests became popular led to the spread of the deadly chytrid fungus (kitd fungus), which caused massive declines in amphibian populations. The fungus thickens their skin, impeding nutrient absorption and oxygen intake, often leading to death.

What is chytrid fungus, and how did it affect amphibians?

Chytrid fungus, or kitd fungus, is a deadly pathogen that lives on the skin of African clawed frogs. While the frogs are immune to it, other amphibians are highly vulnerable. The fungus causes their skin to thicken, preventing nutrient absorption, toxin release, and breathing, ultimately leading to death.

How did the African clawed frog become invasive worldwide?

African clawed frogs were initially kept in laboratories for pregnancy testing. However, when home pregnancy tests were developed in the 1970s, many labs released the frogs into the wild. This led to the establishment of wild populations across the globe, facilitating the spread of chytrid fungus.

What was the global impact of the African clawed frog’s introduction into the wild?

The introduction of African clawed frogs into the wild caused a rapid spread of chytrid fungus, leading to significant declines in native amphibian populations worldwide. By the 1990s, 120 amphibian species were severely affected, with 90 species becoming extinct and 30% of all amphibians being infected.

What can be done to help conserve amphibian species affected by chytrid fungus?

Conservation efforts, like those supported by Planet Wild, are crucial. They work on projects to protect lost frog species, restore ecosystems, and fight the spread of harmful diseases like chytrid fungus. Individuals can also contribute to these causes through donations and supporting conservation organizations.

What is Planet Wild and how does it contribute to conservation?

Planet Wild is an organization that partners with different conservation groups each month to tackle specific environmental issues. Their projects range from rewilding species to restoring habitats. They also keep their supporters updated with progress reports and videos, showing the direct impact of their contributions.

How can individuals help wildlife conservation through Planet Wild?

Individuals can support wildlife conservation by joining Planet Wild’s monthly membership program, which starts as low as $6. The funds directly contribute to conservation projects, and members receive updates on the progress of these initiatives.

Why is the chytrid fungus particularly dangerous to amphibians?

Chytrid fungus is especially harmful to amphibians because it infects their skin, making it difficult for them to absorb nutrients, release toxins, and breathe properly. This leads to organ failure and, ultimately, the death of the infected amphibian.