Malformed frogs : the collapse of aquatic ecosystems /

The extraordinary level of response by amphibians to perturbation of the environment is the topic of this interesting book by Lannoo (Indiana Univ. School of Medicine), one of the leaders in the investigation of the causes of amphibian decline. Frogs are indicator species of environmental change. Since the first malformed frog was found in the US 15 years ago, malformations have been found in representatives of 50 percent of the 105 species of frogs in this country. Many of the malformations are of the limbs, including an additional, missing, or abnormally positioned limb(s) and/or extra fingers. Given the long evolutionary history of frogs, their extraordinarily stable morphology when compared with almost any other group of animals, and their ability to withstand environmental changes over geological timescales, reports of malformations provoke strong reactions from scientists, environmentalists, planners, and politicians. Engagingly written, passionately presented, and illustrated with dozens of radiographs of malformed frogs, Lannoo's book defines the problem, analyzes the geographical spread of malformations, considers the existence of hot spots of malformation, evaluates possible causes, and presents potential solutions. The relevance of the amphibian story for humans is an important theme of the book. Lannoo is also the editor of Amphibian Declines (2005). Summing Up: Highly recommended. All collections. B. K. Hall Dalhousie University