Practice question

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, chytrid fungus causing chytridiomycosis, infects keratinized skin of amphibians especially frogs, disrupting osmoregulation and electrolyte transport including sodium and potassium leading to cardiac failure and mass mortality. Emerged as panzootic driving declines and extinctions of over 200 frog species worldwide, particularly in Central America and Australia with global spread via amphibian trade. Not associated with fish, birds or mammals although closely related Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans infects salamanders. Zoospores spread via water, colonizing stratum corneum. Recognized by IUCN as major threat to amphibian biodiversity requiring stringent biosecurity.