What could the presence of eggs in genotypically male frogs indicate?

The presence of eggs in genotypically male frogs suggests potential endocrine disruption. In typical sexual development, male frogs do not produce eggs; they should produce sperm instead. When male frogs are found with eggs, it indicates that there may be abnormalities in the hormonal regulation of sexual development, potentially caused by environmental factors such as pollutants or chemicals that mimic estrogen. These disruptors may interfere with the endocrine system, leading to unusual reproductive traits and patterns. This phenomenon has been observed in various amphibian species, signaling broader ecological concerns regarding reproductive health and environmental contamination. Understanding these signs is critical in assessing the impacts of environmental changes on wildlife populations.