Role of Hormones in Completing the Life History of Insects and Frogs
In this section, we delve into the significant role hormones play in the life history stages of various organisms, particularly focusing on insects and frogs. The change from larval to adult forms in frogs, known as metamorphosis, is a prime example of hormonal influence. In frogs, this transformation from tadpole to adult frog is reliant on the hormone thyroxine produced by the thyroid gland.
Moreover, the production of thyroxine requires adequate iodine levels in water, illustrating how environmental factors can interfere with hormonal processes. When iodine is deficient, tadpoles may fail to undergo proper developmental changes. Understanding these hormonal mechanisms helps highlight the intricate relationship between biological processes and environmental conditions.