Bufo Alvarius

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the North America toad, Bufo Alvarius, with respect to its natural defense mechanisms. Background information on the toad is given, as well as a discussion of prior research of and known reactions to the potent chemical, 5-MEO-DMT, secreted by the toad in response to predation. Last, this paper proposes an experimental project designed to establish the toxic blood and/or serum levels of this chemical, as well as characterize the reaction of predators to the chemical.

From the Paper:

"With each increasing dose, the effects should be amplified, and may prove to be lethal. At this point, the experiment should be terminated, and the lethal dose should be noted. It is true that the doses administered here are much greater than what would be encountered by any predator or human, but there should be a direct correlation between the effects of the venom in raccoons and in other predators or organisms. I expect that the doses will prove to be fatal before the final dose is administered, while lower concentrations may lead to numbness, blurred vision, and paralysis or catatonic states, in addition to the aforementioned effects."

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