Factors Promoting Variation in Feeding Morphology of Larval Southern Toads (Bufo Terrestris)

Larval anurans exhibit morphological plasticity in response to environmental conditions. However, the effect of the environment on morphological traits associated with feeding has been understudied. The purpose of this study was to: 1) determine if diet composition and feeding behavior affect chondrocranial morphology and denticle length of Southern toads (Bufo terrestris) in a laboratory setting, and 2) evaluate the potential for light intensity to affect chondrocranial morphology, denticle length, size, and developmental time of B. terrestris raised in three different shade environments. Linear and geometric morphometrics were used to quantify chondrocranial morphology for a group of specimens representing a range of ontogenetic stages, and for prometamorphic specimens as well. The results of this study indicate that diet (directly) and shade (indirectly) influence chondrocranial shape and denticle length.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis (open access)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Biology

Year dc:date.available

2009

Author dc:creator

• Schacht, Matthew C.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ray Chandler
• David Rostal
• Risa Cohen

• ETD
• Southern toad
• Chondrocranium
• Morphology
• Plasticity
• Bufo
• Toads

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/700

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-1700