Table 29.1 mentions that chytrids are responsible for massive die-offs currently occurring in amphibians. Review Koch's postulates; then design a study showing how you would use Koch's postulates to test the hypothesis that chytrid infections are responsible for frog deaths.

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Formulate the hypothesis: Chytrid infections are responsible for frog deaths.

Isolate the suspected pathogen: Collect samples from infected frogs and isolate the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis).

Grow the pathogen in pure culture: Culture the isolated chytrid fungus in a controlled laboratory environment.

Inoculate healthy frogs: Introduce the cultured chytrid fungus to healthy frogs and observe if they develop the same symptoms and die-offs.

Re-isolate the pathogen: After the inoculated frogs show symptoms or die, re-isolate the chytrid fungus from these frogs to confirm it is the same pathogen initially isolated.

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