Neotropical Poison Frogs

This topic submitted by Kristin Abbott ( abbottke@muohio.edu) at 12:59 PM on 3/4/03.

Shondricka is having a blast at Lighthouse Cave, San Salvador, Bahamas.

Tropical Field Courses -Interdisciplinary Studies-Miami University


Neotropical Poison Frogs

Poison frogs, more commonly known as poison dart frogs, are one of the more unique families of organisms of the Neotropics with their beautiful coloration and toxic skin. I plan to study the basic biology of these frogs, including their habitat, life cycle, and role in the ecosystem. I will also investigate the basis of txicity and effects of their toxins. Finally, I will examine the importance of these fascinating creatures to human life. Native tribes discovered the value of the frogs' toxins, and now we are beginning to apply the same toxins to the modern medical scene.

Outline

I. Intro

II. Biological Information about Poison Frogs
A. Types
1. Genus Dendrobates
2. Genus Colostethus
3. Genus Phyllobates
ex. Phyllobates terribilis
B. Physical Characteristics
1. Size
2. Coloration
C. Habitat and Geographical Distribution
D. Reproductive Behavior
E. Life Cycle
F. Role in the Ecosystem

III. Toxicity of Poison Frogs
A. Basis of Toxicity
B. Batrachotoxin
C. Exposure Pathways
D. Effects of toxins
E. Levels of Toxicity in Captivity

IV. Human Uses
A. Native Tribes' Uses of Frogs
B.Modern Uses in Medicine

V. Conclusion


Sources

1. Bainbrigde, Jr., S. S. "Frogs that Sweat- not bullets, but a poison for darts." Smithsonian. Jan 1998. pp 70-71.

2. Daly, John W. and Meyers, Charles W. "Toxicity of Panamanian Poison Frogs (Dendrobates): Some Biological and Chemical Aspects." Science, New Series. Vol. 156, No. 3777. May 1967. pp 970-973.

3. Daly, John W., Meyers, Charles W., Warnick, Jordan E., and Alburquerque, Edison X. "Levels of Batrachotoxin and Lack of Sensitivity to its Action in Poison-Dart Frogs." Science, New Series. Vol. 208. No. 4450. pp 1383-1385.

4. Maxson, Linda R. and Meyers, Charles W. "Albumin Evolution in Tropical Poison Frogs (Dendrobatidae): A Preliminary Report." Biotropica. Vol. 17. No. 1. Mar. 1985. pp 50-56.

5. Myers, Charles W. and Daly, John W. "Dart-poison frogs." Scientific American. Feb. 1983. pp 120-130.

6. Summers, Kyle, and Clough, Mark E. "The evolution of coloration and toxicity in the poison frog family (Dendrobatidae)." Accessed via the web address http://studentresearch.wcp.muohio.edu/VertebrateEvolution/dendrobatidevolution01.pdf Viewed Mar. 3, 2003.

7. Szeliestowski, William A. "Unpalatiability of the Poison Arrow Frog Dendrobates pumilio to the Clenid Spider Cupiennius Coccineus." Biotropica. Vol. 17, No. 4. Dec. 1985. pp 345-346.

8. Talgen, Theodore L. and Pough, Harvey F. "Prey Preference, Foraging Behavior, and Metabolic Characteristics of Frogs." American Naturalist. Vol. 122, No. 4. Oct. 1983. pp 509-520.


Next Article
Previous Article
Return to Topic Menu

Here is a list of responses that have been posted to your discussion topic...

Important: Press the Browser Reload button to view the latest contribution.

If you would like to post a response to this topic, fill out this form completely...

Response Title:
Author(s):

E-Mail:
Optional: For Further Info on this Topic, Check out this WWW Site:
Response Text:


DOWNLOAD the Paper Posting HTML Formating HELP SHEET!

We also have a GUIDE for depositing articles, images, data, etc in your research folders.

Article complete. Click HERE to return to the Pre-Course Presentation Outline and Paper Posting Menu. Or, you can return to the course syllabus

  • Tropical Marine Ecology of the Bahamas and Florida Keys
  • Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica
    • Site NAVIGATION--Table of Contents

    Listen to a "Voice Navigation" Intro! (Quicktime or MP3)

    Google
    Search WWW WITHIN-SITE Keyword Search!!

    WEATHER & EARTH SCIENCE RESOURCES

    TROPICAL ECOSYSTEM FIELD COURSES

    Hays' Tarantula Page| Ohio Bird Photo Collection | Tropical Bird Collection | Costa Rica Image Collection | Hays' Marine Ecology Images and Movies |Local Watershed Fish Studies| Wildflowers, Arthropods, ETC in SW Ohio | Earth Science Resources | Astronomy Links | Global Change | Marine Ecology "Creature Study Guide" |

    OTHER ACADEMIC COURSES, STUDENT RESEARCH, OTHER STUFF

    | Educational Philosophy | Discovery Labs: Moon, Geologic Time, Sun, Taxonomy, Frisbee | Project Dragonfly | Vita |Field Course Postings | Student Research Postings | Nature/Science Autobiography | Environmental Programs at Miami University

    TEACHING TOOLS & OTHER STUFF

    Daily Necessities: Macintosh Resources |Search Engines | Library Resources|Server Stats| Family Album | View My Schedule | View Guestbook | Western College "Multimedia Potpourri"

    It is 3:10:07 AM on Wednesday, July 9, 2008. Last Update: Saturday, November 22, 2003