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Torpic Fury!

CSEF · 2003 Zoology

Aaron J. Thiele · Redway Elementary School, Redway

Overview

Objectives/Goals To find out if I can manipulate a common frog into hiberntion due to temperature changes in its environment. Methods/Materials Adult frog (pet, purchased); large aquarium; mud; water container; thick piece of cloth; lamp with infrared bulb; thermometer; timer; small, clear container with holes; ice cubes. I set up the aquarium with mud and a shallow bowl of water, introduced the frog, heated the interior with an infrared bulb, and observed the frog. I removed the lamp and added ice cubes to the wather bowl and continued to gradually add more ice cubes. I observed the frog at timed intervals. I repeated the process, this time with the frog in a small container. Results The frog eventually entered a state of torpor, if not true hibernation. It showed the following signs of torpor: No body movement; reduced gullet movement showed reduced heart rate; eyes closed; mouth partially open; mucous coating over body. Conclusions/Discussion It is possible to cause a frog to go into torpor by gradually lowering the temperature in its environment. My project illustrates the sensitivity of frogs to their environment.

Summary statement

I gradually reduced the temperature of a Red-Legged Walking Frog's environment and caused it to go into a state of torpor.

Help received

Mother helped type, timed heartbeats, discovered one of the Web sites for research, sister helped design backboard research display, father took pictures. sister helped with backboard display of research, father took pictures research

Competition history

  • CSEF 2003 Zoology · Entry J1923

Resources

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