RATL: A Database of Reptile and Amphibian Toxicology Literature

Appendix 6b: Relevant biological and toxicological terms and study classification
terms used in the RATL database.
abnormalities/deformities - contaminant exposure study standard endpoint under Development
in which contaminant exposure was associated with morphological abnormalities or deformities.
acute studies - study type classification conducted in a laboratory setting where mortality values
were determined (e.g. LC50, LD50 etc.).
adult - standard life stage, sexually mature.
behaviour - contaminant exposure study standard endpoint classification in which contaminant
exposure was associated with altered behaviour (e.g. avoidance, lethargy. predation).
contaminant review papers - standard study endpoint classification incorporating reviews of
primary literature on contaminant effects in amphibians and reptiles.
dermal - contaminant exposure study standard methodology classification which presents
contaminant(s) to animals by direct application to the dermal layer under laboratory conditions.
development - contaminant exposure study standard endpoint classification in which contaminant
exposure was associated with alterations to various developmental processes.
ecology - RATL contains some literature on general amphibian or reptilian ecology not
necessarily related to contaminant exposure, however, a comprehensive literature search was not
done in this subject area.
egg/embryo - standard life stage, egg phase through embryo development to hatching.
environment - contaminant exposure study standard methodology classification which presents
contaminant(s) from external field surroundings as a source of toxicity to animals. Numerous
contaminants are involved and the source or concentration(s) may not be known. Direct exposure
routes may include dermal, inhalation, and ingestion. This classification includes studies of
environmental spills.
fertility - contaminant exposure study standard endpoint specific classification under Hatching
Success in which contaminant exposure was associated with adult fertility, gamete production
and viability.
FETAX - Frog Embyro Teratogenesis Assay - Xenopus. Standard embryonal development assay
developed in 1983 for screening substances for toxic effects.
field studies - study type classification for studies conducted in a field setting.
fungal - contaminant exposure study standard endpoint specific classification under Pathology
associated with fungal infections.