Lab 3: Anura

Frog Ecomorphs

  • Different adaptations related to the lifestyle of frogs:

    1. Semiaquatic Jumper:

    • Characteristics: Long legs, webbed feet, smooth and streamlined body.

    1. Burrower:

    • Characteristics: Short legs, feet specialized for digging, stout bodies.

    1. Arboreal:

    • Characteristics: Long legs, expanded toe pads for gripping.

    1. Aquatic:

    • Characteristics: Laterally positioned legs, webbed feet designed for swimming.

Hylidae Family

  • Tree frogs (Family Hylidae) are known for their expanded toe pads, facilitating climbing.

  • The number of species within Hylidae.

Major Anuran Families and Conservation Status in California

  • Mantellidae: Part of the larger anuran family classification.

  • Hylidae:

    • 2 species in California and in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County.

  • Dendrobatidae (Dart Frogs):

    • 0 species in California.

  • Bufonidae (True Toads):

    • 9 species in California, 2 in SLO County.

  • Microhylidae (Narrow-mouthed Frogs):

    • 0 species in California.

  • Ranidae (True Frogs):

    • 13 species in California, 3 in SLO County.

Anuran Phylogeny

  • Key superfamilies and families within Anura:

    • Superfamily Leiopelmatoidea: Family Ascaphidae (tailed frogs) - 1 species in CA, 0 in SLO.

    • Superfamily Pipoidea: Family Pipidae - 1 invasive species in CA, 0 in SLO.

    • Superfamily Pelobatoidea: Family Scaphiopodidae (spadefoots) - 3 species in CA, 1 in SLO.

    • Suborder Neobatrachia:

      • Superfamily Hyloidea: Family Hylidae - 2 species in CA, 2 in SLO, and Dendrobatidae - 0.

      • Family Microhylidae - 0 in CA.

      • Family Ranidae - True Frogs.

Frog Features

  • Distinct anatomical structures include:

    • Tympanum: External ear structure;

    • Cranial crest: A ridge on the top of the head in some species;

    • Parotoid gland: Glands that secrete toxins, commonly found in toads;

    • Dorsolateral fold: Folds along the back, often seen in various species.

Laboratory Procedures

  • Students will rotate through lab stations and complete prompts in a lab notebook.

  • Handling Specimens:

    • Use gloves when handling preserved specimens.

    • Maintain moisture in specimens to avoid damage.

    • Do NOT touch live amphibians to ensure their safety.

  • Reach out to the instructor for any questions during lab activities.Always follow proper disposal methods for any biological waste to maintain a safe lab environment.