Date of Award

1999

Degree Name

Biological Sciences

College

College of Science

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Tom Pauley

Second Advisor

Leonard J. Deutsch

Abstract

Fourteen study sites were sampled with aquatic funnel traps and D-frame net sweeps in the plateau and mountain region of West Virginia to determine differences in larval period. Larval stage class abundance and larval total length and mass measurements were recorded from February to December 1997. Larval stage classes 25 and 26, the first free living stages, were absent from the plateau region from February to April, but were present in the mountain region. Pre-transformation larval stages, 40 through 44, were found from May through October, and peaked in July. Significant relationships were found with simple linear regression analysis between larval stage and total length, and larval stage and mass during all months except for the summer period (May to August). Stage class abundance shifted from stages TJ and 34 in the May/June data set to stages 25 and 46 in the July/August data set. Breeding activity in this species was found to be a month later in the mountain regions than previously reported. Data suggests that in the mountain regions, this species may have a two year larval period. Additionally, froglet dispersal began in June, and peaked in August. Changes in stomach contents over a two month period suggest dietary shifts in froglets due to prey availability.

Water pH and water temperature data were analyzed for differences in elevation, habitat, and monthly groups with a Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA (P<0.05). In spring (March and April) water pH was significantly lower at high elevation sites (4000ft) and in smaller habitat types (roadside ditch, oxbow, and temporary pool). Water pH results during the summer (May to August) and autumn (September and October) periods showed no clear trend in elevation and habitat groups. Water temperature results were significantly lower in the oxbow during the summer and autumn periods. Significant differences in water temperature between the months of May and June, July and August, and September and October show the activity of R. c. melanota is affected by water temperature.><0.05). In spring (March and April) water pH was significantly lower at high elevation sites (4000ft) and in smaller habitat types (roadside ditch, oxbow, and temporary pool). Water pH results during the summer (May to August) and autumn (September and October) periods showed no clear trend in elevation and habitat groups. Water temperature results were significantly lower in the oxbow during the summer and autumn periods. Significant differences in water temperatures between the months of May and June, July and August, and September and October show the activity of R.c. melanota is affected by water temperature.

Subject(s)

Green frog – Ecology – West Virginia.

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