Date of Award

1997

Degree Name

Biological Sciences

College

College of Science

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Thomas K. Pauley

Second Advisor

Michael E. Seidel

Third Advisor

Donald C. Tarter

Abstract

Studies were conducted on the natural history, ecology and potential stress of Ambystoma maculatum and Rana sylvatica at Dolly Sods, West Virginia. Temperature was found to be the primary stimulus influencing spring breeding migration of both species. Breeding period of R. sylvatica was found to be short in duration, resulting in deposition of eggs in large communal masses. Migration and breeding period of A. maculatum occurred from early-April to early-May. Egg deposition occurred from mid-April to mid-May. A second egg deposition of A. maculatum occurred mid-June. Temperature was found to have a significant influence on the rate of development in both species. A study of the potential effects of UV on the development of R. sy/vatica found no significant differences between larvae reared in UV filtered and unfiltered monitoring boxes. Water samples revealed insignificant concentrations of monomeric and total aluminium. Levels of pH were within tolerance levels of A maculatum and R. sylvatica. Rana clamitans tadpoles were found to penetrate R. sylvatica egg masses and consume embryos, resulting in high mortality. Predation by larval odonates resulted in high larval mortality of both species.

Subject(s)

Ambystoma -- Ecology -- West Virginia.

Salamanders -- Ecology -- West Virginia.

Wood frog -- Wood frog -- Ecology -- West Virginia.

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