Licht-im-Terrarium: Literaturdatenbank
Licht-im-Terrarium: Literaturdatenbank |
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Blaustein, A. R., & Belden, L. K. (2003). Amphibian defenses against ultraviolet-b radiation. Evolution & Development, 5(1), 89–97. Added by: Sarina (2013-09-19 09:39:50) |
| Resource type: Journal Article DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-142X.2003.03014.x ID no. (ISBN etc.): 1525-142X BibTeX citation key: Blaustein2003 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: Englisch = English Keywords: Amphibien = Amphibians, Ultraviolett = Ultraviolet Creators: Belden, Blaustein Collection: Evolution & Development |
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| Abstract |
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SUMMARY As part of an overall decline in biodiversity, amphibian populations throughout the world are disappearing. There are a number of potential causes for these declines, including those related to environmental changes such as increasing ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation due to stratospheric ozone depletion. UV-B radiation can kill amphibian embryos or can cause sublethal effects that can harm amphibians in later life stages. However, amphibians have defenses against UV-B damage that can limit damage or repair it after exposure to UV-B radiation. These include behavioral, physiological, and molecular defenses. These defenses differ interspecifically, with some species more able to cope with exposure to UV-B than others. Unfortunately, the defense mechanisms of many species may not be effective against increasing persistent levels of UV-B radiation that have only been present for the past several decades due to human-induced environmental damage. Moreover, we predict that persistent UV-B–induced mortality and sublethal damage in species without adequate defenses could lead to changes in community structure. In this article we review the effects of UV-B radiation on amphibians and the defenses they use to avoid solar radiation and make some predictions regarding community structure in light of interspecific differences in UV-B tolerance.
Added by: Sarina |