Chapter 28, Problem 25A

Summary Introduction

To draw:

A picture to illustrate that amphibians are affected by increased exposure to ultraviolet light.

Introduction:

Amphibians are vertebrates that lives near or in water. They breathe and intake water through their skin. They also consist a special skin glands for producing proteins.

Explanation of Solution

The eggs of amphibian lack shells when they grow and become tadpoles or adults then their skin becomes quite delicate. These amphibians are sensitive towards the UV radiation that contributes to their population decline.

  

Figure 1

UV radiation increases the embryo mortality rate. The radiation may also cause developmental abnormalities and reduces the survival rate of larvae.

Earlier some scientists have suggested that some amphibians have adapted the defense mechanisms to fight against the harmful effects of UV rays through some efficient mechanism of repairing the DNA damage caused by UV.

Conclusion

Amphibians are sensitive towards the UV radiation that contributes to their population decline.