From Booklist
All around the world, frogs, toads, and salamanders are dying at an alarming rate, and scientists want to know why. Fridell defines and describes these amphibians, their history, place, and purpose in Earth's biodiversity, suspected reasons for their demise, and the scientific research on the topic so far--all in clear, reader-friendly prose. Sidebars explain Latin classifications, and discuss frog and toad legends; many fascinating photos, both black-and-white and color, provide necessary visual references. Fridell focuses on how field scientists devise and conduct research, how studies lead to varying inferences and interpretations, and on recent steps taken to address the amphibian decline. Although the topic may seem specialized, and the included evidence is inconclusive, this lively, engaging book offers important information on the general role of scientists, their methods, and the purpose of research in order to gain a better perspective and understanding of the natural world. Glossary; bibliography; Web sites; pertinent organizations. Shelle Rosenfeld
Card catalog description
Describes the alarming worldwide disappearance of amphibians and its possible link to such conditions as erosion of the ozone layer, greenhouse effect and global warming, and environmental pollution.