Assignment 2 Purpose: To Help Organize Your Thoughts ✓ Solved

Assignment 2 Purpose: To help organize your thoughts for the

Assignment 2 Purpose: To help organize your thoughts for the Final Presentation and to ensure all necessary research is completed prior to starting the construction of the Presentation. Please construct your outline according to the instructions and subject-specific requirements/topics listed in the Assignments section.

Required Introduction Sections: Common and scientific names, Geographic range, Specific location (country, state, city), Specific location biome. Tip for Assignment 4: The introduction information plus background and description can be written in several introductory paragraphs. The first introduction paragraph should introduce the species and the rest of the paper as a standard writing practice.

The required subtopics (minimum) of the Outline and Presentation are: Introduction/ Background, life cycle, structure & function, etc.), and evolution and additional interests. Each subtopic should have a minimum of two subsections. Don’t forget to cite internally to your outline where appropriate, and be sure that all references listed in your reference list below are included internal to your outline and vice versa.

Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the presentation highlighting main points without introducing new information. Use APA citation and formatting and a minimum of 5 credible reference sources.

Paper For Above Instructions

The Giant Monkey Tree Frog, scientifically known as Phyllomedusa bicolor, is a striking amphibian native to the Amazon Basin. This outline aims to systematically explore its taxonomy, life cycle, adaptations, and cultural significance. The aim is to create a comprehensive understanding of this species which is crucial not just from a biological perspective but also from the ecological and anthropological standpoint.

Introduction

The Giant Monkey Tree Frog, also referred to as the blue and yellow frog, the bicolored tree frog, or the giant leaf frog, is a species characterized by its vivid coloration which serves both for mating rituals and predator avoidance. It inhabits the lush environments of Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru within the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest (Frost, 2009; de Paula Lima et al., 2010). Given its wide distribution, understanding its ecological role is essential, especially as its unique features enable it to thrive in its specific biome.

Background and Description

The Giant Monkey Tree Frog exhibits a variety of adaptations that aid its survival. Morphologically, it possesses a dark green dorsal coloration paired with a lighter cream belly. These characteristics not only serve aesthetic functions but also play critical roles in camouflage, allowing the frog to blend seamlessly with its environment (Encyclopedia of Life, n.d.). Notably, the species is characterized by a vertically elliptical pupil, a trait seen in nocturnal predators to enhance night vision (Koryos, 2014). Additionally, its skin contains a variety of pigments that protect it from UV radiation while also assisting in temperature regulation and water retention (Folger, 1995).

Life Cycle of the Organism

The reproductive process of the Giant Monkey Tree Frog is particularly fascinating. Females lay egg masses that can contain from 10 to several hundred eggs, typically deposited in folds of leaves near water sources (Encyclopedia of Life, n.d.). After approximately 8 to 10 days, the eggs hatch into free-swimming tadpoles which must navigate their environment until they undergo metamorphosis into juvenile frogs.

The tadpole stage generally lasts between 6 to 10 weeks, highly influenced by water temperature (Venancio & Melo-Sampio, 2010). This life cycle, from egg to tadpole to adult, is a crucial aspect of the frog’s biology, facilitating its adaptability and survival within its habitat. The life expectancy of the Giant Monkey Tree Frog is approximately ten years (Encyclopedia of Life, n.d.).

Structure and Function

The unique adaptations of the Giant Monkey Tree Frog extend to its physical structure and physiological functions. The vertically elliptical pupil enhances its night vision, which is critical for a nocturnal lifestyle, while the specialized skin secretions play multiple roles from preventing dehydration to offering protection against microbial infection (Gagliardo, 2009). Interestingly, these secretions have also acquired cultural significance among indigenous communities, who utilize them in traditional rituals (den Brave et al., 2014).

Evolutionary Significance

The evolutionary history of the Giant Monkey Tree Frog indicates a complex classification system where debate exists regarding its precise taxonomy. It rests within the Hylidae family and shares lineage traits with both the Pelodryadinae and Phyllomedusinae subfamilies (Wiens et al., 2010). Fossil records reveal that amphibians have a long evolutionary history, with their ancestors tracing back approximately 363 million years (Carroll, 1988; Wells, 2010).

Additional Interests

The cultural impact of the Giant Monkey Tree Frog extends beyond biological studies into the realm of traditional practices. Known locally as "Kambo," its skin secretions are employed in ceremonies intended to purify and heal (den Brave et al., 2014; Erspmaer et al., 1993). This highlights the intersection of biology, culture, and tradition, showcasing the species’ importance beyond mere ecological roles.

Conclusion

In summary, the Giant Monkey Tree Frog, or Phyllomedusa bicolor, is a remarkable amphibian that exemplifies the rich biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest. Its adaptations for survival, such as unique skin pigments and specialized reproductive strategies, play a vital role in its ecological niche. Furthermore, the cultural significance of this species among indigenous populations underscores the intricate ties between nature and human practice. Understanding such relationships is crucial for conservation efforts and biodiversity management.

References

• Bertoluci, J. (2002). Pedal luring in the leaf frog Phyllomedusa burmeisteri (Anura, Hylidae, Phyllomedusinae). Phylomedusa, 1(2), 93–95.
• Carroll, R. (1988). Vertebrate Paleontology and Evolution. New York, NY: W.H. Freeman and Company.
• den Brave, P., Bruins, E., & Bronkhorst, M. (2014). Phyllomedusa bicolor skin secretion and the Kambo ritual. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis, 20, 40.
• de Paula Lima, J., Rodder, D., & Sole, M. (2010). Diet of two sympatric Phyllomedusa (Anura: Hylidae) species from a cacao plantation in southern Bahia, Brazil. North-Western Journal of Zoology, 6(1), 13-24.
• Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Phyllomedusa bicolor Giant Leaf frog. Retrieved from [link].
• Erspmaer, V., et al. (1993). Pharmacological studies of “sapo” from the frog Phyllomedusa bicolor skin: A drug used by the Peruvian Matses Indians in shamanic hunting practices.
• Frost, D. R. (2009). Amphibian Species of the World: An Outline Reference. Version 5.3 (12 February 2009). Retrieved from [link].
• Gagliardo, R. (2009). ABCM Specialty Taxa Husbandry Phyllomedusines (Leaf Frogs). Retrieved from [link].
• Koryos, (2014). The functions of different pupil shapes. Retrieved from [link].
• Wiens, J., Kuczynski, C., Hua, X., & Moen, D. (2010). An expanded phylogeny of treefrogs (Hylidae) based on nuclear and mitochondrial sequence data. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 55, 871–882.
• Wells, K. (2010). The Ecology and Behavior of Amphibians. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.