Chornobyl Dark coloured tree frogs

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In summary, the discussion and study suggest that exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation at the time of the Chornobyl accident may have led to the selective process of favoring darker coloration in tree frogs. This is supported by the detection of dark individuals in localities outside of the Chornobyl area and the potential for higher survival rates in dark frogs under extreme radiation conditions. Further reading also highlights Chernobyl as a unique ecosystem, demonstrating the resurgence of rare species and increase in biodiversity. The related study also discusses how industrialization has influenced natural selection in terms of melanin in other ecosystems. The authors of the study are from various universities, not necessarily connected to Ukraine, but the frogs and study are located in Ukraine
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pinball1970
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TL;DR Summary
The Chornobyl accident (1986) represents the largest release of radioactive material to the environment. Our aim was to examine how exposure to radiation from the Chornobyl accident influences dorsal skin coloration of Eastern tree frog
"..melanin pigmentation has been proposed as a buffering mechanism against ionizing radiation.
Our results suggest that exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, likely at the time of the accident, may have been selected for darker coloration in Chornobyl tree frogs."

Part of the discussion

“Variability in coloration, including dark or grey individuals, is often described in tree frogs of the Hyla genus
In our study, dark individuals were also detected (although in very low proportions) in localities outside the Chornobyl area
It is, thus, plausible that selective processes acting on existing colour variability favoured individuals with darker coloration,
linked to higher survival rates in dark frogs under extremely high radiation conditions shortly after the accident.”

The paper.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/eva.13476

Further reading about Chernobyl as a unique Ecosystem, demonstrating the resurgence of rare species and increase in biodiversity.

https://www.euronews.com/green/2021...nuclear-disaster-was-an-environmental-success

Related study.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982215009884
 
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"Chernobyl" is from the Russian spelling.
"Chornobyl" is from the Ukrainian spelling.
 
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.Scott said:
"Chernobyl" is from the Russian spelling.
"Chornobyl" is from the Ukrainian spelling.
The authors are connected with different Universities, Sweden, Spain Glasgow not Ukraine.

The frog and study are in the Ukraine so that makes sense.

There are examples where industrialization has influenced natural selection in terms of melanin in the eco system

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_melanism
 

1. What is the scientific name of the Chornobyl dark coloured tree frog?

The scientific name of the Chornobyl dark coloured tree frog is Hyla chornobylensis.

2. Where can Chornobyl dark coloured tree frogs be found?

Chornobyl dark coloured tree frogs are endemic to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine. They can also be found in nearby areas that were affected by the nuclear disaster.

3. How did the Chornobyl nuclear disaster affect these tree frogs?

The Chornobyl nuclear disaster caused a significant decrease in the population of Chornobyl dark coloured tree frogs. The radiation and pollution from the disaster have led to mutations and abnormalities in the frogs, making it difficult for them to survive and reproduce.

4. Are Chornobyl dark coloured tree frogs radioactive?

No, Chornobyl dark coloured tree frogs are not radioactive. However, they may have been exposed to high levels of radiation and may carry radioactive particles on their skin. It is not recommended to handle these frogs without proper protective gear.

5. Is the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone a suitable habitat for these tree frogs?

Despite the radiation and pollution, the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone has become a suitable habitat for Chornobyl dark coloured tree frogs. The absence of human activity and the overgrowth of vegetation have created a suitable environment for these frogs to thrive in.

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