Presenter(s)

Elliot Chinnock

Comments

9:00-10:15, Kennedy Union Ballroom

Download Available for download on Tuesday, April 22, 2025

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Description

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), the deviation from perfect bilateral symmetry, serves as a measure of developmental instability influenced by environmental stressors. Amphibians, particularly Blanchard’s Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi), are effective bioindicators due to their sensitivity to habitat changes. This study aimed to assess FA in A. blanchardi populations across three sites in the Dayton, Ohio, area to evaluate its potential as a bioindicator of habitat quality. Fieldwork conducted from May to August 2024 yielded 70 frogs, with habitat and water quality data recorded at each site. Hindlimb asymmetry was measured using ImageJ software, and statistical analyses included ANOVA and a one-tailed t-test. Results showed no significant variation in FA across the sites (p = 0.357), but a significant difference between sexes (p = 0.035), with males exhibiting higher asymmetry than females. These findings suggest that biological factors, such as sexual dimorphism, may play a greater role in FA than anticipated. The lack of significant environmental effects highlights the need for further research into how different factors interact to affect FA. Potential future research will expand sample sizes to look into these other factors and strengthen FA’s utility as a conservation tool for amphibians.

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Project Designation

Independent Research

Primary Advisor

Erin L. Gibbemeyer, Maggie M. Hantak

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Fluctuating Asymmetry in Blanchard’s Cricket Frog <em>(Acris Blanchardi): </em>Indicators of Habitat Health and Water Quality

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