AMAZING AMPHIBIANS
Mike Bruton, ichthyologist, museum and science centre development consultant
Tuesday 21 January 1.00 pm COURSE FEES R110; Staff and students R55
In this croak we explore the secret world of frogs, toads, salamanders and axolotls worldwide and discuss what it is like to be a vulnerable, soft-skinned amphibian. We investigate their origin and evolution, how they are adapted to aquatic and semi-aquatic environments, why there are no frogs in the sea, how they breed, feed and defend themselves, and why their loss would be a tragedy. We also discuss why amphibians survived major extinction events in the past better than most animals, yet they will probably be the first group of backboned animals to become extinct due to the impact of humans. Did you know that many frogs breathe through their skin, that South African platannas became the most widespread frogs in the world as they were used internationally in pregnancy tests, and that some frogs incubate their eggs in their stomachs?
TO BOOK: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/performance.aspx?itemid=1554944697
Mike Bruton originally practised as an ichthyologist and aquatic ecologist before branching out into museum and science centre development. He has had a lifetime interest in the history of the bicycle and has mounted two travelling exhibitions on the topic. He is also the curator of the recently-established Trail’s End Bicycle Museum in Grabouw. In retirement he has focussed on public understanding of science and technology and has published numerous books on South African and African scientists and inventors.