Glenn J. Tattersall | Brock University - Canadá

• Grant number: 06/05450-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: December 29, 2006
• End date: March 01, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Compared Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Denis Otavio Vieira de Andrade
• Grantee: Denis Otavio Vieira de Andrade
• Visiting researcher: Glenn J. Tattersall
• Visiting researcher institution: Brock University, Canada
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This proposal intends to carry on an ample investigation about the peculiar mode of life of the frog B. alvarengai. This species inhabits a montane meadow environment in southeastern Brazil being restricted to the Cadeia do Espinhaço, from Serra do Caraça until the south portion of Bahia state. Bokermannohyla alvarengai spends hours every day sitting on lichen-covered stones fully exposed to the sun and, although highly cryptic against the stones common to their habitat, they become lightly coloured, almost white in appearance, while exposed to full sunlight suggesting that basking and skin colour changes may play an important role in their body temperature regulation and, possibly, in water balance. Accordingly, the main focus of this proposal is to identify the possible relationships between the physiological change in skin coloration, maintenance of an adequate water balance and body temperature regulation. By the end of the project, we hope to understand, on a broad context, what are the implications and consequences (ecological, morphological, and physiological) related to the very characteristic habits and habitat of this particular species. This proposal is intended to last for 2 years, from the end of 2006 until the end of 2008, with the possibility of being extended for a few more years. The development of this project counts with the expertise of 3 researchers, which were also the authors of the preliminary study in (see the attached file). Two of these researchers are Brazilians, Denis Otávio Vieira de Andrade (proponente) and Paula Eterovick (participant, Pontifícia, Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brasil) and will have their expenses covered by the eventual approval of a Grant that have being submitted to FAPESP (linha regular). In this proposal, we are asking for funds necessary to cover for the visit of the third member of our research team, Prof. Glenn Tattersall from the Departament of Biology, Brock University, Canada. In this first year, Glenn should come to Brazil by December, where he should stay for approximately 2 months. During this period, he will take active part in the execution and data analysis of all the experiments outlined in the attached project, as he have already done in their conception/planning. In particular, the expertise of Prof. Tattersall in the use of infrared imaging technology for biological applications will contribute significantly for the development of this proposal. Finally, I shall mention that Prof. Tattersall is a regular visitor/scientific collaborator in our lab with excellent transit in the Brazilian academic community. During his stay, as usual, Glenn shall interact actively with Brazilian students, professors, and associated researchers. Whenever possible, he will accept invitations to give talks in our institution, as well as in other institutions that manifest interest in hearing about his research program. Results from previous collaborations between Dr. Tattersall´s lab and our lab in Brazil can be appreciated at the CV of the proponent and at the CV of Dr. Tattersall as well. (AU)