A multi-disciplinary approach to the study of amphibian diversification: phase 2
| Grant number: | 14/18703-0 |
| Support type: | Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International |
| Duration: | October 16, 2014 - November 06, 2014 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Zoology - Animal Behavior |
| Principal Investigator: | Taran Grant |
| Grantee: | Taran Grant |
| Visiting researcher: | Edmund D. Brodie Jr. |
| Visiting researcher institution: | Utah State University (USU), United States |
| Home Institution: | Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil |
| Associated research grant: | 12/10000-5 - A multi-disciplinary approach to the study of amphibian diversification, AP.JP |
Abstract
Amphibians employ chemical defenses against predators, pathogens, and/or parasites, often resulting in brilliant coloration, extravagant behaviors, and unique ecological interactions. Dr. Brodie is a pioneer in the fields of amphibian behavior and chemical defense with over 40 years of experience working on biological problems in Asia, North America, and Central America and nearly 200 publications, including numerous papers in Nature, Science, and PNAS. His program is a model of cross-disciplinary research, successfully integrating rigorous collection of basic data on natural history and behavior with cutting edge techniques in chemistry and molecular biology. The primary objective of Dr. Brodie's visit is to strengthen and expand our collaborative research into the ecology and evolution of chemical defense in amphibians. Specifically, we will design experiments to study defensive behavior in poison frogs, learn techniques to detect and quantify tetrodotoxin, and design specific studies of tetrodotoxin-based chemical defense in the Brazilian endemic genus Brachycephalus. Dr. Brodie will also give two talks (one at IBUSP, the other at UNESP, Rio Claro) and will visit scientists and students at the Instituto Butantan and UNESP, Rio Claro. (AU)