Environmental effectors of the reproductive cycle and breeding behavior in the male upland chorus frog, Pseudacris triseriata feriarum

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
John Edwin Wiley (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Herbert Hendrickson

Abstract: This study attempts to define the spermatogenic cycle and its environmental effectors in the male upland chorus frog, Pseudacris triseriata feriarum (Wied) and to investigate the environmental stimulation of breeding behavior such as calling and mating. It was hypothesized that some environmental cue or cues might be operating to trigger reproductive behavior. It was also thought that spermatogenesis might be subject to environmental influences. Frogs were collected monthly, preserved, and their testes removed. Some frogs were kept in outdoor cages and others were held in indoor aquaria. Caged frogs were killed and preserved in the same manner as wild frogs at times when wild frogs were not available. The testes were sectioned, stained, and examined microscopically. Counts were made of spermatogonia, spematocytes, spermatids, and sperm. The cell counts were compared to environmental data using a computer-based multiple regression analysis. A computer program for discriminant function analysis was used to compare environmental data with mating call data. The testicular cycle consists of two periods of spermatogenesis; one occurring concurrent with breeding which lasts from January to mid-March, and the other begins in late June and ends before November. "Resting periods" occur during the intervening months. P. t. feriarum may be a potentially continuous breeder exhibiting a discontinuous breeding behavior in Guilford County, N.C.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1976
Subjects
Frogs $x Reproduction
Frogs $x Reproduction $x Climatic factors
Frogs $x Effect of habitat modification on
Frogs $x Breeding

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