Examen Inglés
Páginas: 2 (258 palabras)
Publicado: 10 de octubre de 2012
Amphibians may soon disappear
The Chinese calendar says 2008 is the year of the Rat, but according to the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (AZA),2008 should be the Year of the Frog. The reason is that frogs are disappearing from
our planet at an alarming rate and, in a few years, they may all beextinct.
In August 2007, more than 230 delegates representing zoos and aquariums from 35 countries gathered
in Hungary to sign a petition, calling ongovernments to help preserve amphibian life. This marks the
first time that zoos and aquariums have initiated a global call to action on behalf of anendangered
class of animals. Their concern is that one-third to one-half of all species of frogs are in danger of
becoming extinct in the near future— which would be the largest mass extinction since the
disappearance of the dinosaurs.
About 4,000 species of amphibians exist worldwide and most ofthem are frogs and toads. The term
amphibian comes from the Greek amphibios and means double life, referring to the fact that they begin
life in thewater as tadpoles and gradually transform themselves into land dwelling creatures with legs.
Frogs are "cold-blooded" and rely on the environment toregulate their body temperature. The skin of a
frog is moistened by the secretion of numerous mucous glands and plays a vital part in the frog's waterbalance, respiration and protection. But since the skin is highly permeable to water, it also makes them
highly susceptible to environmental changes.
The Chinese calendar says 2008 is the year of the Rat, but according to the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (AZA),2008 should be the Year of the Frog. The reason is that frogs are disappearing from
our planet at an alarming rate and, in a few years, they may all beextinct.
In August 2007, more than 230 delegates representing zoos and aquariums from 35 countries gathered
in Hungary to sign a petition, calling ongovernments to help preserve amphibian life. This marks the
first time that zoos and aquariums have initiated a global call to action on behalf of anendangered
class of animals. Their concern is that one-third to one-half of all species of frogs are in danger of
becoming extinct in the near future— which would be the largest mass extinction since the
disappearance of the dinosaurs.
About 4,000 species of amphibians exist worldwide and most ofthem are frogs and toads. The term
amphibian comes from the Greek amphibios and means double life, referring to the fact that they begin
life in thewater as tadpoles and gradually transform themselves into land dwelling creatures with legs.
Frogs are "cold-blooded" and rely on the environment toregulate their body temperature. The skin of a
frog is moistened by the secretion of numerous mucous glands and plays a vital part in the frog's waterbalance, respiration and protection. But since the skin is highly permeable to water, it also makes them
highly susceptible to environmental changes.
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