Developmental Variation in Keratodont Counts of American Bullfrog Tadpoles

Developmental Variation in Keratodont Counts of American Bullfrog Tadpoles

Presenter(s)

Nicholas Canfield, Arianna Olivares

Comments

1:15-2:30, Kennedy Union Ballroom

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

Developmental Variation in Keratodont Counts of American Bullfrog Tadpoles

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