Date of Award
2005
Degree Name
Biology
College
College of Science
Type of Degree
M.S.
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Thomas K. Pauley
Second Advisor
Jeffrey May
Third Advisor
Suzanne Strait
Abstract
Plethodon glutinosus populations in West Virginia were looked at in three different elevations. Objectives were to determine if there is enough difference in elevation to cause different populations to vary in morphology and reproduction. Nine morphological measurements were taken to represent both size and proportional shape. Sexual dimorphism was found in all measurements only in low elevations, males being larger (p<0.001-p=0.041). Mean measurements between the three elevations showed significant differences (p<0.005) in all measurements excluding head width, tail length, and 3rd digit length. Salamanders were dissected; testes and vasa deferentia were removed from males and ovaries with follicles were removed from females. Results showed males in lower and middle elevations deposit spermatophores May-July. Low sample sizes in higher elevations provided inconclusive results. Females of lower elevations lay eggs early-mid summer. Middle and higher elevations results revealed a likely spring oviposition, or possibly a fall oviposition.
Subject(s)
Woodland salamanders.
Northern slimy salamander - Morphology.
Northern slimy salamander - Reproduction.
Northern slimy salamander - West Virginia.
Recommended Citation
Lucas, Cynthia F., "Comparisons of Morphology and Reproductive Status of Plethodon Glutinosus at High, Middle, and Low Elevations in West Virginia" (2005). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 711.
https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/711
