White-nose syndrome

Definition

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease that affects hibernating bats, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. It has led to significant declines in bat populations across North America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. White-nose syndrome was first discovered in North America in 2006.
2. The disease causes bats to wake frequently during hibernation, depleting their fat reserves and leading to starvation.
3. The fungus responsible for WNS thrives in cold, damp environments typical of bat hibernacula (hibernation sites).
4. WNS has been confirmed in at least 33 U.S. states and seven Canadian provinces as of the latest data.
5. Bats play a crucial role in ecosystems as insect predators, and their decline due to WNS can lead to increased pest populations and ecosystem imbalance.

Review Questions

• What organism causes white-nose syndrome in bats?
• How does white-nose syndrome affect bat behavior during hibernation?
• Why is the decline of bat populations due to white-nose syndrome a concern for ecosystems?

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, region, or on the entire Earth.

Invasive species: Non-native species that cause harm to ecosystems, economies, or human health when introduced to a new environment.

Conservation biology: The scientific study focused on protecting and sustaining biodiversity through understanding species' interactions with their environments and human impacts.