Amphibians have permeable skin that readily absorbs substances from their environment, making them exceptionally sensitive to toxins such as pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to developmental abnormalities, impaired reproduction, weakened immune systems, and increased mortality. Because of their sensitivity, amphibians serve as early warning indicators of environmental health, with declines often signaling broader ecosystem problems.
- Amphibians absorb toxins through their highly permeable skin.
- Common toxins affecting amphibians include pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors.
- Effects of toxin exposure include developmental defects, reproductive failure, immune suppression, and increased mortality.
- Amphibians act as bioindicators, signaling pollution and ecosystem imbalances.
Amphibians' skin is highly permeable, which allows environmental toxins to be absorbed directly, making them particularly sensitive.
Pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors are among the toxins that adversely affect amphibians.
Amphibians serve as indicators because their populations often decline in response to low levels of pollutants, signaling environmental issues before other symptoms appear.
Environmental toxins can disrupt amphibian development and reproduction by altering hormone function and causing birth defects.