Southeastern's Science on Tap lecture to feature tadpoles to frogs
by: Rene Abadie
HAMMOND – Why do tadpoles turn into frogs? And what is nature's purpose in this process called metamorphosis?
These are the themes of Southeastern Louisiana University's next Science on Tap seminar scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The informal presentation by Chris Beachy, Southeastern professor and head of the Department of Biological Sciences, will be held at 7 p.m. at Tope lá Catering, 113 East Thomas St., Hammond. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the presentation is free and open to all ages.
A specialist in frogs and salamanders, Beachy will use an extensive collection of photos of tadpoles, larval salamanders and the adult frogs and salamanders they become as he discusses why these types of lifestyles exist.
"Metamorphosis is one of the neatest things a kid – or even a grownup – will ever see," said Beachy. "Watching tadpoles and tadpole salamanders are a great and fun way to ask really interesting questions about how nature works."
Beachy says it's important that we work to protect these remarkable animals.
"Salamanders and frogs are experiencing declines and extinctions at faster rates that anything since the non-bird dinosaurs," he said. "Why this happens, how we can help stop the trend, and why we should stop this are valuable and educational things to know."
Sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences, the Science on Tap series features presentations throughout the fall and spring semesters. Next program scheduled is on Dec. 3, "The Conservation of Sea Turtles: Why Are They Cool and Important?" by Roldan Valverde, associate professor of biological sciences and current president of the International Sea Turtle Society.
For more information, contact the Department of Biological Sciences at 985-549-3740.
