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Abstract
Tailed frogs (Ascaphus truei) occur in permanent, cold streams in northwestern North America. Their tadpoles reportedly undergo metamorphosis after 2-4 years. Coastal populations that we examined transformed in 2 yr from the Olympic peninsula in Washington to northern Oregon, but in 1 yr from central Oregon to northern California. One inland site in northern California had a 2-yr period. Age at metamorphosis was consistent over different years. We suggest that total length and developmental stage accurately define cohorts for larval Ascaphus. Hind-leg length indicates whether metamorphs are a separate age class from tadpoles. Age at metamorphosis (1-4 yr) appears to reflect broad differences in climatic conditions. However, at a regional scale, variation is low and suggests a lack of sensitivity to local environmental conditions. This may be due to seasonal constraints on the time when metamorphosis occurs (late summer).
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Variation in age at metamorphosis across a latitudinal gradient for the tailed frog, Ascaphus truei |
| Series title | Herpetologica |
| Volume | 55 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 1999 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Allen Press |
| Contributing office(s) | Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center |
| Description | 9 p. |
| First page | 283 |
| Last page | 291 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |