Effects of light and group size on the activity of wood frog tadpoles (<i>Rana sylvatica</i>) and their response to a shadow stimulus
Tadpoles are known to behaviorally respond to cues from aquatic predators. However, there are several additional factors that might affect tadpole behavior. We examined the influence of light conditions and group size on the activity of wood frog (Rana sylvatica) tadpoles and their response to a sim...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Firenze University Press
2009-07-01
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| Series: | Acta Herpetologica |
| Online Access: | https://oaj.fupress.net/index.php/ah/article/view/1561 |
| _version_ | 1818597716940292096 |
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| author | Katherine V. McClure Jordan W. Mora Geoffrey R. Smith |
| author_facet | Katherine V. McClure Jordan W. Mora Geoffrey R. Smith |
| author_sort | Katherine V. McClure |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Tadpoles are known to behaviorally respond to cues from aquatic predators. However, there are several additional factors that might affect tadpole behavior. We examined the influence of light conditions and group size on the activity of wood frog (Rana sylvatica) tadpoles and their response to a simulated non-aquatic predator (i.e., a shadow stimulus). Activity levels of undisturbed wood frog tadpoles were higher in larger groups (15 tadpoles) than in the smaller groups (5 tadpoles). Activity following exposure to a simulated aerial predator (i.e., a shadow stimulus) was also higher in the larger groups of tadpoles than in the smaller groups. Light conditions did not influence activity level in undisturbed tadpoles, but did affect the response to the shadow stimulus, with the greatest responses being observed under bright light conditions. Our results suggest that the factors influencing tadpole activity can include a diverse range of factors and cues, including lighting conditions and group size. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-16T11:52:14Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ccd1096f1a3443b4917d844b952895a4 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1827-9635 1827-9643 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-16T11:52:14Z |
| publishDate | 2009-07-01 |
| publisher | Firenze University Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Acta Herpetologica |
| spelling | doaj.art-ccd1096f1a3443b4917d844b952895a42022-12-21T22:32:40ZengFirenze University PressActa Herpetologica1827-96351827-96432009-07-014110.13128/Acta_Herpetol-29592827Effects of light and group size on the activity of wood frog tadpoles (<i>Rana sylvatica</i>) and their response to a shadow stimulusKatherine V. McClureJordan W. MoraGeoffrey R. SmithTadpoles are known to behaviorally respond to cues from aquatic predators. However, there are several additional factors that might affect tadpole behavior. We examined the influence of light conditions and group size on the activity of wood frog (Rana sylvatica) tadpoles and their response to a simulated non-aquatic predator (i.e., a shadow stimulus). Activity levels of undisturbed wood frog tadpoles were higher in larger groups (15 tadpoles) than in the smaller groups (5 tadpoles). Activity following exposure to a simulated aerial predator (i.e., a shadow stimulus) was also higher in the larger groups of tadpoles than in the smaller groups. Light conditions did not influence activity level in undisturbed tadpoles, but did affect the response to the shadow stimulus, with the greatest responses being observed under bright light conditions. Our results suggest that the factors influencing tadpole activity can include a diverse range of factors and cues, including lighting conditions and group size.https://oaj.fupress.net/index.php/ah/article/view/1561 |
| spellingShingle | Katherine V. McClure Jordan W. Mora Geoffrey R. Smith Effects of light and group size on the activity of wood frog tadpoles (<i>Rana sylvatica</i>) and their response to a shadow stimulus Acta Herpetologica |
| title | Effects of light and group size on the activity of wood frog tadpoles (<i>Rana sylvatica</i>) and their response to a shadow stimulus |
| title_full | Effects of light and group size on the activity of wood frog tadpoles (<i>Rana sylvatica</i>) and their response to a shadow stimulus |
| title_fullStr | Effects of light and group size on the activity of wood frog tadpoles (<i>Rana sylvatica</i>) and their response to a shadow stimulus |
| title_full_unstemmed | Effects of light and group size on the activity of wood frog tadpoles (<i>Rana sylvatica</i>) and their response to a shadow stimulus |
| title_short | Effects of light and group size on the activity of wood frog tadpoles (<i>Rana sylvatica</i>) and their response to a shadow stimulus |
| title_sort | effects of light and group size on the activity of wood frog tadpoles i rana sylvatica i and their response to a shadow stimulus |
| url | https://oaj.fupress.net/index.php/ah/article/view/1561 |
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