Northern Kentucky University
Microhabitat Use and Food Selection by Tadpoles of the Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)
Institution
Northern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Richard Durtsche
Abstract
In order to better understand the complexity of the anuran larvae diet we examined resource and microhabitat use, in particular the use of food resources by tadpoles. Microhabitats, and the availability of food found there in, may play a determining factor in the use of food resources by tadpoles. In addition, we examined comparisons between foods that Rana sylvatica tadpoles consume in their natural habitat to what the tadpoles choose to consume in a laboratory setting when offered a selection of foods varying in quality. This allowed us to examine the tadpoles’ ability to gauge the quality of available foods when making a food selection choice. Another factor examined was the effect of canopy cover on the distribution and availability of microhabitats. The four ponds observed during the study ranged from closed tree canopy cover, moderate canopy cover, or open canopy. Tree canopy cover was analyzed to determine its role in the resource use of a particular microhabitat by tadpoles. Results of the study suggest that there are significant differences of food resource use based on microhabitat.
Microhabitat Use and Food Selection by Tadpoles of the Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)
In order to better understand the complexity of the anuran larvae diet we examined resource and microhabitat use, in particular the use of food resources by tadpoles. Microhabitats, and the availability of food found there in, may play a determining factor in the use of food resources by tadpoles. In addition, we examined comparisons between foods that Rana sylvatica tadpoles consume in their natural habitat to what the tadpoles choose to consume in a laboratory setting when offered a selection of foods varying in quality. This allowed us to examine the tadpoles’ ability to gauge the quality of available foods when making a food selection choice. Another factor examined was the effect of canopy cover on the distribution and availability of microhabitats. The four ponds observed during the study ranged from closed tree canopy cover, moderate canopy cover, or open canopy. Tree canopy cover was analyzed to determine its role in the resource use of a particular microhabitat by tadpoles. Results of the study suggest that there are significant differences of food resource use based on microhabitat.