Fantastic frogs and sexy salamanders topic of next Science on Tap presentation
Friday, November 18, 2016 
by: Rene Abadie
HAMMOND – Regaining an appreciation for frogs and salamanders – creatures most children
think are pretty neat – will be the focus of the next Science on Tap lecture presented
by Southeastern Louisiana University’s Department of Biological Sciences on Tuesday,
Dec. 6.
Professor and Head of the Department of Biological Sciences Christopher Beachy
is the featured speaker at the presentation scheduled at 7 p.m. at Tope La Catering,
113 East Thomas St. in Hammond. The lecture – titled “The Fantastic Frog and the Sexy
Salamander” – is free and open to all ages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
“Kids love frogs and salamanders; they don’t need a reason because they appreciate
them just for being what they are: neat animals,” said Beachy. “But as they become
adults, many forget they loved them as kids. Adults will often ask me, ‘What are they
good for?’”
Beachy said he will outline several cases that demonstrate the importance of
frogs and salamanders while reminding the audience that these animals are admirable
for no other reason than they are living things that deserve respectful treatment.
“Among several topics, I will talk about how amphibian metamorphosis is an excellent
way to study pregnancy, how observing salamander tongues helps us think about ballistic
weapons, and how salamander sex provides insights into human mating behavior,” he
said.
“Biologists are deeply worried about amphibians,” he added. “These wondrous animals
are in serious danger, and several amazing things that certain amphibians do are no
longer in existence because of recent extinction.”
For information on future Science on Tap presentations, contact the Department
of Biological Sciences at 985-549-3740.
