Competition between regulatory processes in Amphibians: Testing the effects of physical and physiological factors on thermoregulation and hydroregulation. Regulation of body temperature is important for many animals, and it influences processes such as growth and reproduction. However, it is not clear to what extent wet-skinned animals can control body temperature because of evaporation. Understanding this about frogs is crucial to understanding their habitat requirements and the effects of clim ....Competition between regulatory processes in Amphibians: Testing the effects of physical and physiological factors on thermoregulation and hydroregulation. Regulation of body temperature is important for many animals, and it influences processes such as growth and reproduction. However, it is not clear to what extent wet-skinned animals can control body temperature because of evaporation. Understanding this about frogs is crucial to understanding their habitat requirements and the effects of climate change, habitat modification, and the invasion of cane toads on their populations. Amphibians are in decline worldwide, and research into the basic ways that these animals interact with the physical environment is needed before effective management plans can be produced. The unique physiological characteristics of Australian frogs make this is the best place in the world to do this research.Read moreRead less
Do frogs hydroregulate? Regulation versus tolerance of thermal and hydric states. Amphibians are in decline in Australia and worldwide. Frogs are a middle link in terrestrial and aquatic food chains (as predators and prey) so are important for the sustainability of Australia's biodiversity and as indicators of environmental problems. Basic research about the ways Australian frogs interact with the physical environment to balance body water and temperature is crucial to predicting the effects of ....Do frogs hydroregulate? Regulation versus tolerance of thermal and hydric states. Amphibians are in decline in Australia and worldwide. Frogs are a middle link in terrestrial and aquatic food chains (as predators and prey) so are important for the sustainability of Australia's biodiversity and as indicators of environmental problems. Basic research about the ways Australian frogs interact with the physical environment to balance body water and temperature is crucial to predicting the effects of climate change or habitat modification on frogs. This basic information is needed to produce effective conservation plans for native frogs and management plans for invasive cane toads. We will train students in techniques and concepts in ecology, conservation biology, and animal physiology.Read moreRead less