Crayfish Tadpole Chemical Cue
Members of the laboratory are working on a project addressing the ability of Pacific Frog tadpoles (Hyre Regilla) to recognize dangerous habitat types based on the chemical cue presence of invasive crayfish (Procambarus Clarkii). Since the introduction of red swamp crayfish into local Santa Monica streams many amphibian populations have been severely negatively effected. Understanding the ability of tadpoles to recognize crayfish infested habitat type is important for the future of Santa Monica Mountain populations survival. Laboratory members are tackling this question with on-site field experimentation.
