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Ecotoxicological Methodologies to Evaluate Biomarkers at Different Scales in Neotropical Anurans
Published on: April 28, 2023
605
Testicular morphometric changes in neotropical anurans from agroecosystems.
Wadson Rodrigues Rezende1, Lia Raquel de Souza Santos2, Lilian Franco-Belussi3
1Laboratorio de Anatomia Comparada, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Campus São José do Rio Preto (IBILCE/UNESP), Brazil.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|January 1, 2021
Summary
Agricultural activity impacts frog testes, affecting reproduction. Different frog species show varying sensitivity to these environmental changes, highlighting the need for species-specific conservation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Ecotoxicology
- Herpetology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Amphibian populations are declining globally, with agricultural activities identified as a major contributing factor.
- Agrochemicals and fertilizers from agriculture can disrupt ecosystems and harm non-target organisms like frogs.
- Testicular damage in frogs due to agrochemical exposure can compromise reproductive success and population viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare testicular morphology and morphometry in three neotropical anuran species exposed to agricultural environments versus a conservation unit.
- To assess species-specific responses of frog testes to agricultural pressures.
- To identify which frog species are most vulnerable or resilient to agricultural impacts.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of testicular morphology and morphometry in *Physalaemus cuvieri*, *Dendropsophus minutus*, and *Boana albopunctata*.
- Histological examination of testicular tissues from frogs in agricultural and conservation areas.
- Quantitative measurement of testicular parameters including locular area, spermatogenic cyst area, and pigmentation.
Main Results:
- While histological testicular structure was similar across environments, morphometric parameters differed significantly.
- *Physalaemus cuvieri* showed larger locular and spermatogonial areas but smaller spermatozoal areas in agricultural settings, with increased pigmentation.
- *Dendropsophus minutus* exhibited reduced testicular areas in agricultural zones, whereas *Boana albopunctata* displayed larger testicular areas, indicating differential species responses.
Conclusions:
- Agricultural activities demonstrably influence testicular morphometry in neotropical anurans.
- *Dendropsophus minutus* appears most sensitive to agricultural pressures, while *Boana albopunctata* shows greater resilience.
- Evaluating diverse species is crucial, as each anuran species exhibits a unique response to environmental changes induced by agriculture.
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