AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

A Model of the Larval Period of the Spring Salamander, Gyrinophilus porphyriticus, Based on Size-Frequency Distributions

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1980
Authors:Bruce, RC
Journal:Herpetologica
Volume:36
Issue:1
Date Published:1980
ISBN Number:00180831
Keywords:Falco, Falco rusticolus, Falconidae
Abstract:Larval development of the spring salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus was studied through analysis of size-frequency distributions in sequential samples from a population in the southeastern Cowee Mountains of North Carolina. The results suggest highly variable growth rates and a variable larval period, the latter having a mode of nearly 4 years. Hatching occurs in late summer or early autumn with metamorphosis in late spring or summer. The size range at metamorphosis is narrow with no detectable variation in this trait. Factors contributing to selection for a lengthy larval period in G. porphyriticus may include (1) reliable aquatic habitats, (2) larval adaptations which minimize regulation by predators and competitors, and (3) differential feeding adaptations between pre- and post-metamorphic phases.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3891859
Short Title:Herpetologica
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith