DISTORTIONS IN AMPHIBIAN DEVELOPMENT INDUCED BY ULTRAVIOLET‐B ENHANCEMENT (290–315 NM) OF A SIMULATED SOLAR SPECTRUM

Abstract

Abstract— Effects of increased intensity of UV‐B radiation (290–315nm) on the systemic development and viability of boreal toad tadpoles were studied. When compared with animals exposed to UV‐B deficient radiation of similar irradiance, tadpoles exposed to UV‐B enhanced radiation displayed (1) abnormal development of the presumptive cornea, (2) areas of hyperplasia in the integument, (3) an anomalous, concave curvature of the spine, and (4) increased mortality. Daily exposure to photoreactivating radiation (> 315nm) following UV‐B insult mitigated the potentially lethal damage to the tadpole population.