Environmental and physiological drivers of immune function in frogs (2019-2024)
Abstract
The environment can shape ecological processes through effects on an individuals' physiology. This project aims to investigate how ultraviolet B radiation and temperature interact during early development to influence amphibian physiology. The project utilises a combination of genetic, biochemical and physiological approaches to investigate the effects of ultraviolet B and temperature on a key fitness determinant - immune system function. Important outcomes of this research will be detailed, fundamental information on how environmental conditions experienced during development influence the growth and fitness of frogs. These data will improve our capacity to forecast potential ecological-level effects of environmental change on amphibians.
