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Behavior of toads, Bufo bufo, in a dynamic environment
1Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, Thorez pr. 44, St. Petersburg, Russia. dlv2004@yandex.ru
Summary
Toads do not experience motion sickness. Gentle rotation did not induce vomiting, but did cause stress responses, suggesting a vestibular system difference in lower vertebrates.
Area of Science:
- Comparative physiology
- Neuroscience
- Vestibular system research
Background:
- Motion sickness is a common human ailment.
- The physiological basis of motion sickness in lower vertebrates is poorly understood.
- Vestibular system function varies across species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of toads to motion sickness.
- To explore the vestibular responses of toads to rotational stimuli.
- To test the resonance hypothesis for motion sickness immunity in lower vertebrates.
Main Methods:
- Exposing free-moving toads to a Ferris wheel-like stimulator.
- Applying gentle rotation (0.25 Hz, 0.143 g) for over 120 minutes without visual cues.
- Observing behavioral responses, including motor activity, eye retractions, urination, and appetite.
Main Results:
- No emetic or prodromal responses to rotation were observed.
- Increased motor activity and escape attempts were noted, indicating a stress response.
- Motionless toads exhibited head oscillations, likely a vestibular (otolith) reaction to oscillating acceleration.
Conclusions:
- Toads are immune to motion sickness under the tested conditions.
- Rotational stimuli induced stress and escape behaviors rather than motion sickness.
- The resonance hypothesis may explain the lack of motion sickness in lower vertebrates due to their vestibular system's response to oscillating acceleration.
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