Respiratory System Control in Amphibians: Mechanisms of Neural Plasticity and the Effects of Chronic Environmental Disturbances

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In a World where the climate is undoubtedly changing, it is of critical importance to understand how an altered environment affects biological systems ranging in scope from the behaviour of entire populations to the intricate physiological control systems that regulate bodily function. Changing environmental (climatic) conditions can include phenomenon such as alterations in temperature (i.e., global warming), water availability (i.e., droughts and flooding), reduced oxygen levels (in bodies of water leading to "fish kills") and increased carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) levels. Changes in any or all of these factors can have numerous detrimental effects on the physiology, behaviour and quality of life of animals and humans alike. The research outlined in this proposal will use a variety of neurophysiology and respiratory physiology techniques to examine how changing environmental conditions compromise or disrupt breathing in amphibians as well as how changing conditions can influence the numerous physiological systems that regulate breathing. This research will also examine how various neurochemicals in the brain respond to changing environmental conditions in order to reduce potentially life-threatening changes in essential physiological function. As evident from their decreasing populations, amphibians are highly vulnerable to climate change and are already under siege from habitat destruction and rising temperatures. Given this, the research in this proposal will be of important predictive value in understanding how a changing environment affects critical physiological systems and will inform how important neurochemicals may help to alleviate physiological perturbations that could affect the survival of individuals and populations. Such knowledge is critical in order to understand basic physiological processes as well as to allow the scientific community and policy makers to make sound evidence-based decisions on issues pertaining to global climate change and its effects on natural populations of animals.