Molly Mooney
Bio 110 Lab
102 Mueller
Homework #2
Section 1: Paper specific questions
1. Where does this species of frog live?
The frog Oophaga pumilio lives in La Selva, Costa Rica.
2. What is one possible reason that members of this species of frog are brightly colored?
The main reason for these frogs being brightly colored is a warning, or aposematic, sign to potential predators, telling them the frogs are poisonous.
3. What defense(s) do these frogs have against predation?
The frogs are brightly colored to deter predators, and if said predators are not deterred, they are poisonous.
4. What is cryptic coloration?
Cryptic coloration is an adaptation allowing organisms to blend in with their surroundings, making them not stand out to predators; This makes these camouflaged organisms more likely to survive than other, less well-adapted, native prey.
5. What are the main predators of these frogs?
In the study, the main predators of frogs in La Selva are birds and rodents, with some unknown predators thought to be snakes or possibly spiders.
6. What other factor(s) could cause color variation within this species of frog?
Colors of this species of frog also have to do with sexual selection. Like many species of organisms, the males and females can be distinguished from each other by certain discolorations or patterns.
Section 2: General science questions
1. Why is this research important?
This research on Oophaga pumilio is important because it is reportedly one of the few detailed studies on the subject of the frog’s aposematic colors. It gives new and detailed information about the species and it’s relationship to it’s habitat, other frogs, and predators.
2. What is the hypothesis and/or research goal of the study?
The scientists are testing whether the colors of this species of frog is an aposematic trait or not.
3. What are the major methods used? (Limit your answer to 5 sentences or fewer.)
Those who conducted...