Source-This post on Golden-backed Frog has been created based on the article “Mushroom growing on a frog in India baffles scientists” published in “The Indian Express” on 15 February 2024.
Why in the news?
Scientists discovered a frog in western ghat which seems to have a mushroom growing out of its side.
About Golden-backed Frog
| Aspect | Details |
| Description | It is endemic to the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Kerala, specifically above the Palghat Gap. |
| Habitat | It is predominantly found in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in the Western Ghats of India. |
| Characteristics | 1) These frogs prefer to reside near streams, ponds, and other water bodies, where they can lay their eggs and find their food. 2) Diet– They are insectivorous and feed on a range of small insects and arthropods such as ants, beetles, and crickets. 3) Size– It is about the size of a human thumb |
| Threats | 1) Habitat loss and fragmentation. 2) Pollution of water bodies 3) Introduction of non-native species. |
What is Bonnet mushroom?
1) It is commonly found as a saprotroph (an organism that feeds on non-living organic matter) on rotting wood.
2) Some species are edible, while others contain toxins.
Note-Mutualism– It is an association between organisms of two different species in which each benefits.
Mutualistic arrangements are most likely to develop between organisms with widely different living requirements.
UPSC Syllabus-Environment (species in news)
