Ontogenetic Variation in the Chemical Defenses of Cane Toads (Bufo marinus): Toxin Profiles and Effects on Predators

R Andrew Hayes; Michael R Crossland; Mattias Hagman; Robert J Capon; Richard Shine

doi:10.1007/s10886-009-9608-6

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Ontogenetic Variation in the Chemical Defenses of Cane Toads (Bufo marinus): Toxin Profiles and Effects on Predators

Journal article

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Ontogenetic Variation in the Chemical Defenses of Cane Toads (Bufo marinus): Toxin Profiles and Effects on Predators

R Andrew Hayes, Michael R Crossland, Mattias Hagman, Robert J Capon and Richard Shine

Journal of Chemical Ecology, Vol.35(4), pp.391-399

2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-009-9608-6

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Abstract

Chemical Sciences

Biological Sciences

Environmental Sciences

anuran

bufadienolides

Bufo marinus

toxicity

ontogeny

bufadienolides

cardiac steroids

We conducted a quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis of cane toad bufadienolides-the cardioactive steroids that are believed to be the principal cane toad toxins. We found complex shifts in toxin composition through toad ontogeny: (1) eggs contain at least 28 dominant bufadienolides, 17 of which are not detected in any other ontogenetic stage; (2) tadpoles present a simpler chemical profile with two to eight dominant bufadienolides; and (3) toxin diversity decreases during tadpole life but increases again after metamorphosis (larger metamorph/juvenile toads display five major bufadienolides). Total bufadienolide concentrations are highest in eggs (2.64±0.56 μmol/mg), decreasing during tadpole life stages (0.084±0.060 μmol/mg) before rising again after metamorphosis (2.35±0.45 μmol/mg). These variations in total bufadienolide levels correlate with toxicity to Australian frog species. For example, consumption of cane toad eggs killed tadpoles of two Australian frog species (Limnodynastes convexiusculus and Litoria rothii), whereas no tadpoles died after consuming late-stage cane toad tadpoles or small metamorphs. The high toxicity of toad eggs reflects components in the egg itself, not the surrounding jelly coat. Our results suggest a dramatic ontogenetic shift in the danger that toads pose to native predators, reflecting rapid changes in the types and amounts of toxins during toad development.

Details

Title: Ontogenetic Variation in the Chemical Defenses of Cane Toads (Bufo marinus): Toxin Profiles and Effects on Predators
Authors: R Andrew Hayes (Author) - University of Queensland
Michael R Crossland (Author) - University of Sydney
Mattias Hagman (Author) - University of Sydney
Robert J Capon (Author) - University of Queensland
Richard Shine (Author) - University of Sydney
Publication details: Journal of Chemical Ecology, Vol.35(4), pp.391-399
Publisher: Springer New York LLC
Date published: 2009
DOI: 10.1007/s10886-009-9608-6
ISSN: 0098-0331
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Industries Research Centre; Forest Research Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449343202621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Ecology

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