How to translate text using browser tools
1 January 2018 Characterization of the Adaptive Morphology of Japanese Stream Toad (Bufo torrenticola) Using Geometric Morphometrics
Masayoshi Tokita, Yuya Hasegawa, Wataru Yano, Hiroshi Tsuji
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The order Anura (frogs and toads) is a group of amphibians and contains over 6500 extant species living in a variety of environments. Each frog species evolved body form adaptive for living and breeding in their own habitats. In Japan, four taxa of Bufo are living: Western-Japanese common toad (Bufo japonicus japonicus), Eastern-Japanese common toad (B. japonicus formosus), Miyako toad (B. gargarizans miyakonis) and Japanese stream toad (B. torrenticola). The former three taxa breed in still water as many other species of Bufo do. In contrast, B. torrenticola breeds in running water such as streams in mountainous area. Corresponding to their breeding in a stream environment, both adult and larva of B. torrenticola acquired unique morphological characters. However, few study have explored differences in the body form between B. torrenticola and closely-related Bufo species quantitatively, remaining the details about the morphological adaptation to a stream environment in this toad species poorly understood. In this study, we quantitatively compared the shape of the foot and skull between the adult male of B. torrenticola and its close relative B. j. formosus using landmark-based geometric morphometrics. Our analyses revealed that B. torrenticola has relatively longer toe phalanges with relatively larger foot webs and relatively shorter metatarsals and a narrower and more streamlined skull, compared to closely-related B. j. formosus. These morphological characteristics are considered adaptive for their breeding in mountain torrents.

© 2018 Zoological Society of Japan
Masayoshi Tokita, Yuya Hasegawa, Wataru Yano, and Hiroshi Tsuji "Characterization of the Adaptive Morphology of Japanese Stream Toad (Bufo torrenticola) Using Geometric Morphometrics," Zoological Science 35(1), 99-108, (1 January 2018). https://doi.org/10.2108/zs170099
Received: 20 June 2017; Accepted: 1 September 2017; Published: 1 January 2018
KEYWORDS
Adaptation
Bufo
foot
geometric morphometrics
mountain torrent
shape
size
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top