
Developmental Variation in Keratodont Counts of American Bullfrog Tadpoles
Presenter(s)
Nicholas Canfield, Arianna Olivares
Files
Description
Tadpole oral morphology plays a crucial role in feeding and development, yet its structural variations across developmental stages remain poorly understood. In particular, keratodonts—keratinized, tooth-like structures—are integral to tadpole feeding but have not been extensively analyzed for their consistency within and between developmental stages. This study examines the relationship between developmental stage and keratodont count in Rana catesbeiana (American bullfrog) tadpoles. Specimens were collected from metroparks in Dayton, Ohio, and assigned a developmental stage using the Gosner staging system. Their mouthparts were photographed under a microscope, and keratodonts were systematically counted. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess patterns of variation within and across stages. Understanding keratodont development may provide insights into the functional morphology of tadpoles and broader ecological and evolutionary implications.
Publication Date
4-23-2025
Project Designation
Course Project - BIO 421 05
Primary Advisor
Daniel J. Paluh
Primary Advisor's Department
Biology
Keywords
Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences
Institutional Learning Goals
Scholarship
Recommended Citation
"Developmental Variation in Keratodont Counts of American Bullfrog Tadpoles" (2025). Stander Symposium Projects. 4144.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/stander_posters/4144

Comments
1:15-2:30, Kennedy Union Ballroom