9513362 Hayes The ultimate goal of this study is to assess and define the potential role of pollutants and pesticides such as DDT on the rapid disappearance of amphibians worldwide, particularly frogs. Many of these pollutants act on the frogs as the animal's own substances do. Consequently, a deeper understanding of the physiologic molecules and mechanisms may ultimately shed light on not only basic survival mechanisms but also disruptive mechanisms which are at the core of the decline of these species. Another significant thrust of this project is to involve students, both undergraduate and graduate, in various stages of the project, thereby allowing them not only to develop as future scientists but also to acquire an awareness of this significant disruption of biological life. ***
