Interactive Effects of UV-B and Copper on Spring Peeper Tadpoles (Pseudacris crucifer).

We studied the interactive effect of ultraviolet-B radiation and the heavy metal copper on the tadpole fitness of the Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer). Many studies have identified UV-B effects on amphibian survival while others have examined the effects of heavy metals, such as copper; however, few studies have investigated the possibility of interactive effects between UV-B and heavy metals on amphibian fitness. Tadpoles were reared in laboratory containers and tested to ascertain whether UV-B and Cu had interactive effects on P. crucifer fitness. Exposure to UV-B and Cu individually and interactively significantly affected P. crucifer survival. This suggests that in some areas amphibian survival could be impacted due to abiotic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]