Photos from the 2003 East Tennessee Collegiate Division Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science held at Pellissippi State Technical Community College
4/11/2003
Jennifer LeBar, Maryville College
ABSTRACT
Effects of pH on Tadpole Development
Many amphibian populations have been experiencing significant drops in their numbers across the United States. There are a number of factors that could be influencing the growth and development of these populations. Acid rain has become a major ecological concern in attempting to sustain and enhance growth and development of many terrestrial communities of plants and animals. The goal of this study is to determine if and how pH influences the development of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica). One hundred and forty-four young tadpoles were collected from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and placed in water of different pHs in the laboratory. Growth and development was monitored and later analyzed to determine if any significant differences could be attributed to differences in pH. The purpose of this study was to help explain decreases in local amphibian populations.
