Variation in Age at Metamorphosis across a Latitudinal Gradient for the Tailed Frog, Ascaphus truei
Bury RB and Adams MJ. 1999. Variation in Age at Metamorphosis across a Latitudinal Gradient for the Tailed Frog, Ascaphus truei. Herpetologica. 55(2):283-291
From the Abstract: "Tailed frogs (Ascaphus truei) occur in permanent, cold streams in northwestern North America. Their tadpoles reportedly undergo metamorphosis after 2-4 years. Coastal populations that we examined transformed in 2 yr from the Olympic peninsula in Washington to northern Oregon, but in 1 yr from central Oregon to northern California. One inland site in northern California had a 2 yr period. Age at metamorphosis was consistent over different years. We suggest that total length and developmental stage accurately define cohorts for larval Ascaphus. Hind-leg length indicates whether metamorphs are a separate age class from tadpoles. Age at metamorphosis (1-4 yr) appears to reflect broad differences in climatic conditions. However, at a regional scale, variation is low and suggests a lack of sensitivity to local environmental condisions. This may be due to seasonal constraints on the time when metamorphosis occurs (late summer)."
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Bury, R; Adams, Michael
- Units
- OLYM
- Keywords
- ageing, metamorphosis, Tailed frog (Ascaphus truei)