Brazilian Journals Publicações de Periódicos e Editora Ltda.
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate how methylmercury (MeHg) at sublethal concentrations may affect the anti-predator behavioral performance of newly metamorphosed Physalaemus ephippifer. Accordingly, P. ephippifer larvae were exposed to different concentrations of MeHg: 0 (control), 0.0007 and 0.007 μg/ml, and the animals were then evaluated post-metamorphosis. Newly metamorphosed individuals were submitted to the behavior assay of chemical perception of injured conspecifics. Control frogs showed normal behavior, that is a reduction in the level of activity (immobility). However, exposure to MeHg promoted inactivation of the anti-predator behavior, which was more evident in the treatment with the higher concentration, with increased movement, indicating behavioral hyperactivity. Therefore, it is concluded that the model species is sensitive to MeHg, where sublethal concentrations cause behavioral damage, namely behavioral hyperactivity
