MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE LAKE TOAD (PELOPHYLAX RIDIBUNDUS) IN THE MODERN ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF THE ODESSA REGION

Abstract

Amphibians, a unique group of vertebrates, numbering over 8200 species, a third of which are under threat of extinction. Over the past three decades, an alarming number of extinctions have occurred: almost 168 species are believed to have become extinct, and 43% of populations are declining. The main threats are directly related to anthropogenic changes in the distribution of surface water due to the cultivation of rural lands and urbanization to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population; Other significant threats that contribute to the extinction of species are excessive amounts of nitrates, herbicides and pesticides in agricultural practice. Many factors contribute to significant changes in the animal body, which lead to mutations and various diseases. Therefore, the study of the features of the morphology of amphibians in modern conditions is relevant. The aim of the research was to determine the morphological features of the structure of the Lake Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) in the modern ecological conditions of the Odessa region. Some morphological indicators of amphibians were determined, and the features of the ecology of the Odessa region were analyzed based on our own research and the ecological passport of the region. Today, there is no single common cause of the global decline in amphibian populations, instead, all these factors that threaten amphibian populations are constantly changing depending on the location of the animal's habitat.