RETF + frog research

[zakaspfc]

So i ended up getting an RETF, and she is doing well. I figured id keep you guys posted on some other cool amphib related stuff im getting into right now.

im working in a lab that specializes in adaptive plasticity of tadpoles, and we are conducting research on hyla versicolor, rana sylvatica and some salamanders this spring. if anyone is interested id love to talk some more about it

[MichFrog]

Adaptive placticity of tadpoles? Sounds....erm... different. haha. What is it, just out of interest?

[zakaspfc]

were trying to find out if changes in frog development can be triggered by certain environmental factors, such as predators, and trying to establish reasons for differences evolutionarily between frogs and salamanders. theoretically the absence of predators effects the final appearance of the frog. conducting some research on tadpole tails as well

[MichFrog]

So its the whole survival of the fittest thing? The results would certainly be interesting. Thanks for answering me. Good luck with it and the frog.

[tylototriton]

That sounds right up my alley?
Where are you working?
Right now i'm working on oviposition site choice in Hyla versicolor. (Well, thats the hope anyway)

[zakaspfc]

im an undergrad at dartmouth. havent started it just yet. that sounds really interesting. tell me some more about it tylo?

[Kurt]

Dartmouth? So you're in NH then.

[zakaspfc]

yes sir I am

[tylototriton]

Dartmouth!
I think I still have my rejection letter from there. Hahah.
So basically i'm investigating what variables adult frogs use to choose where they lay their eggs. A lot of research has proven that frogs and amphibians in general choose locations to lay their eggs that will (or should) increase the survival of their offspring. It's kind of the idea of parental care with minimum involvement. We typically think of amphibians as abandoning their young (in most cases) but even though they don't actively care for their young (usually) they do seem to put some "thought" into their offsprings well being.

[zakaspfc]

got any preliminary ideas as to what goes into the site selection?

[Kurt]

yes sir I am

I am in Massachusetts, so maybe I will be seeing you around either at Manchester or perhaps a NEHS meeting. Next meeting is on the 14th.

[tylototriton]

There are a bunch of factors that can influence site selection; the presence of predators, conspecifics, parasites, the location of the site, the volume or chemical makeup of the site, and a multitude of other factors have also been proposed.