Sparkling Science

Chemical defense in the animal kingdom

The use of skin glandular secretions for biochemical defenses against predators in common toads (Bufo bufo) - (plasticity and costs in the light of climate change)

 

The project runs from 01 January 2013 - 31 December 2014

In collaboration with the “young scientists” we want to study the functional importance of toxins as biochemical defense strategy in animals and where we will deal in particular with the poisonous secretions of the skin glands of toads (Bufo bufo). The following questions will be addressed in this context:
• Does the venom production serves for defense against predators?
• Can changes in the environment affect the venom production and their composition?
• Is the production of skin toxins expensive?
• Can these costs be affected by changes in the environment (e.g. climatic changes during the winter)?

Together with the students we will carry out a series of field and laboratory experiments and collect additional field data. The expected results are innovative and new to science, and deal with issues that are currently being discussed. The results will be the basis and starting point for a number of other questions in evolutionary biology and of safeguards in connection with amphibians.

The research project will take place at the school, which means that the students will have the opportunity to participate at any point in the project. Together we will discuss ecological and evolutionary contexts, and the project should help students to reduce inhibitions against amphibians, to work in cooperation with scientists, and to take responsibility for animals. The project will raise awareness among students for natural and environmental issues and problems. The work with the animals and the experimental procedure will be such, that they enjoy and arouse interest. It is important that the pupils not only receive knowledge passively but actively acquire knowledge and produce scientific results themselves.

Leading Institution

University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology
Leader of the project: Dr. Herbert Hoi
Contakt: Send an e-Mail to Herbert Hoi

Scientific Researcher

Dr. Attila Hettyey
Mag. Katharina Mahr
Balint Üveges

Participating Schools

1. PNMS/PHS Sacré Coeur Pressbaum, Niederösterreich
2. Bundesinstitut für Gehörlosenbildung (BIG)

Scientific Co-operation Partners

University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, St. Lucia, Australien