<h5>Where was the frog seen?</h5><p>When monitoring a group of Rao’s intermediate golden-backed frogs at a roadside pond in Karnataka, India, researchers observed an unusual thing about one of the frogs. A frog out of the group had a little mushroom emerging from its side. The researchers published their discovery in the journal ‘Reptiles and Amphibians’.</p><p>Surprisingly, the frog was alive and active. The mushroom was later recognised as the Bonnet mushroom, which generally grows on decaying wood. The researchers discovered the frog in June 2023 but did not collect it. So, it is unknown how the mushroom started growing on the frog or whether it is alive and well.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/scientists-puzzled-by-mushroom-growing-on-a-frog%2FFrog%202.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=5ab0428b-e546-455a-a657-fb4f48221abb"><figcaption>The frog. Photo by The Independent.</figcaption></figure><h5>Can mushrooms grow on living organisms?</h5><p>Many microbes, including bacteria and fungi, can coexist with organisms, frequently in symbiotic or harmless partnerships. However, some can result in infections such as athlete's foot.</p><p>Still, it is unusual for a mushroom to grow on a living organism. This could be because mushrooms require nutrients not often present on animal skins. So, multiple theories are being discussed about the frog growing a mushroom on its body.</p><h5>What could be the reason for the frog growing a mushroom?</h5><p>Regarding the frog, experts believe that the humid conditions of the Western Ghats provided an ideal environment for mushroom growth, with enough moisture and organic matter available.</p><p>Some experts assume the frog acquired the fungus due to a wound or infection, which provided a surface for the fungus to attach to. Another scientist believes it is similar to a surface skin infection, similar to fungal infections in humans. Another expert said that while the growth looks like a bonnet mushroom, it could be another mushroom species.</p><p>Another scientist has said she’s not convinced that the growth is indeed a mushroom. Scientists have also shown concern about this discovery because it adds to an already existing fungus-related disease that kills over 700 amphibian species globally. They are trying to figure out whether the mushroom growth is related to that disease or not.</p><p>Still, researchers will need more data before they can reach a conclusion about the frog.</p>

The frog was observed by researchers in India.

Scientists Puzzled by Mushroom Growing on a Frog

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