
Alexa Corinne Pollock
Bachelor of Science, Biology
Minor, Italian
Masters Student in Laboratory Animal Science, admitted Winter 2022
Stanford Student Employee, Biology
All Publications
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Albino Xenopus laevis tadpoles prefer dark environments compared to wild type.
microPublication biology
2023; 2023
Abstract
Tadpoles display preferences for different environments but the sensory modalities that govern these choices are not well understood. Here, we examined light preferences and associated sensory mechanisms of albino and wild-type Xenopus laevis tadpoles. We found that albino tadpoles spent more time in darker environments compared to the wild type, although they showed no differences in overall activity. This preference persisted when the tadpoles had their optic nerve severed or pineal glands removed, suggesting these sensory systems alone are not necessary for phototaxis. These experiments were conducted by an undergraduate laboratory course, highlighting how X. laevis tadpole behavior assays in a classroom setting can reveal new insights into animal behavior.
View details for DOI 10.17912/micropub.biology.000750
View details for PubMedID 36824381
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9941856