Amphibians have been identified by the NPS to be included in opportunistic field studies. The known amphibian diversity in the Alaska national parks is limited to southeastern Alaska, with one species (wood frog, Rana sylvatica) frequently occurring throughout Alaska and into the arctic regions. Little is known about the life history, habitat requirements, causes of malformations, and distribution of amphibians in Alaska. This is a first step towards better understanding an often overlooked taxonomic group.

Blain Anderson is a Biologist who has headed up an inventory program of amphibians in Alaska's national parks. As a "good steward" of Alaska's national parks and wilderness areas, Blain's task is to make an initial estimate of the location and species composition of amphibians living in the region. You will research these important and, possibly, uncommon species in this step.

Before you begin this step, click on Blain's picture to listen to his assessment of working as a scientist in the National Park Service.

Divide the following research topics among small groups:

• Characteristics of Amphibians
• Food Webs
• Indicator Species
• Exotic Species

Your research will include textbooks and library source materials, interviews with national parks researcher Blain Anderson and Internet sources.

Small Group 1: Characteristics of Amphibians

Research texts and other sources to compile a list of all the characteristics of amphibians. On the basis of your research, would you expect to find amphibians in the state of Alaska? Why or why not? Be prepared to share your findings and conclusions with your classmates.

Small Group 2: Food Webs

Click on Blain's picture to hear about the role of amphibians in Alaska's ecological food webs.

Next, research the sites below to map the food web of one amphibian found in a national park in your state or region. Show the biotic and abiotic factors that influence the animal's success in the area. You may use a web similar to the one shown or a food pyramid.

Examples of food webs can be found at the following sites:
Food Chains and Webs
Interesting Facts About Food Chains
Food Chains

Small Group 3: Indicator Species

Click on Blain's picture to learn more about amphibians as indicator species of ecosystem health.

Now, research the sites listed to discover the meaning of the term indicator species. Why are amphibians considered indicator species? Create a short (1-2 minutes) presentation to make sure classmates understand the term.

Biological Indicators of Watershed Health #1
Biological Indicators of Watershed Health #2
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Answers.com
Wild Species 2000
High Country News.org "Frogs: the ultimate indicator species"

Small Group 4: Exotic Species

Click on Blain's picture for a short discussion of exotic species and their influence on biodiversity.

Search the sites below to discover the meaning of the term exotic species. Why are exotic species considered to be "dangerous" to the success of indigenous species in an ecosystem? Create a short (1-2 minutes) presentation to share some of the exotic species in your state or region and what is known about their effect on the area's natural ecosystems.

National Park Services "Invasive Species Management"
USGS: South Florida Restoration Science Forum
Invasive Species.gov

You have gathered data on amphibians: their life cycle; their place in Alaska's ecosystem; their importance to assessing the health of an ecosystem; and, the concerns scientists have about any exotic species disturbing the health of any amphibians in the park areas. Now, meet with your group to share your findings. Use pictures to help illustrate your data.