Comparative feeding kinematics of temperate pond-dwelling tadpoles (Anura,Amphibia) |
| |
Authors: | Matthew D Venesky Richard J Wassersug Michael E Jorgensen Mellie Riddle Matthew J Parris |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA;(2) Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Dalhousie University, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Halifax, NS, B3H 4H7, Canada;(3) Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Several studies have explored various components of feeding kinematics in anuran larvae; however, a direct comparison of feeding
kinematics among morphologically similar and sympatric taxa has not been undertaken. We used high-speed videography (500 frames/s)
to capture feeding kinematics of Anaxyrus fowleri (Hinckley, 1882) (Fowler’s Toad), Hyla chrysoscelis (Cope, 1880) (Grey Treefrog), Scaphiopus holbrookii (Harlan, 1835) (Eastern Spadefoot Toad), and Lithobates sphenocephalus (Cope, 1889) (Southern Leopard Frog) tadpoles as they foraged from an algal-covered substrate. In total, we filmed 120 feeding
sequences from 25 feeding bouts and quantified eight kinematic variables that were common among all four species. Despite
relatively similar keratinized feeding structures among taxa, our videography data revealed fundamental differences in how
the tadpoles used these structures. One specific difference was in the speed of the gape cycle. Among taxa, S. holbrookii tadpoles had the longest gape cycle and longest time to reach maximum gape, whereas A. fowleri and L. sphenocephalus tadpoles had shorter durations for both variables and did not differ between species. We also found species differences in
the magnitude that tadpoles narrow their lower jaw sheath. Irrespective of gape size, the lower jaw sheath of S. holbrookii tadpoles narrowed by approximately 26% of its maximum width—a twofold difference from A. fowleri tadpoles, which narrowed only 13%. Our study revealed that tadpoles with similar oral structures feeding on the same substrate
can exhibit major differences in feeding kinematics. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|