Masters Theses

Abstract

"Although the ecological implications and structure of frog calls have been the subject of much study, little is known about the association between the laryngeal apparatus morphology and call structure in North American hylids. In this study linear measurements of the laryngeal apparatus were captured and compared to the call structures of thirteen species of North American hylids. Species examined included: Pseudacris crucifer, P. triseriata, P. ocularis, Acris crepitans blanchardi, Hyla avivoca, H. cinerea, H. gratiosa, H. chrysoscelis, H. versicolor, H. squirella, H. femoralis, H. arenicolor, and H. eximia. Six homologous landmark points were identified, and the lengths between them were measured on the ventral side of five specimens representing each of the 13 species. Angles between the points were also measured. Additionally, measurements were taken of the lateral side of five specimens of each species. Snout-vent length was considered as a covariate, indicative of overall body length. The 18 morphological measurements were compared to 13 call characteristics, which included acoustic (spectral and temporal) units interpreted mechanistically. Morphological results are consistent with the divergence of the three genera following the phylogeny of Faivovich et al. Four call characteristics that correlate with the morphological characteristics are discussed in the context of the phylegeny of the group"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Maglia, Anne M.

Committee Member(s)

Mormile, Melanie R.
Humfeld, Sarah C.

Department(s)

Biological Sciences

Degree Name

M.S. in Applied and Environmental Biology

Sponsor(s)

National Science Foundation (U.S.)

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2010

Pagination

xi, 57 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references.

Geographic Coverage

North America

Rights

© 2010 Barbara Ann Catherine Fears, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Frogs -- Vocalization -- North America
Hylidae -- Vocalization -- North America
Larynx -- Anatomy

Thesis Number

T 9667

Print OCLC #

688636590

Electronic OCLC #

648757246

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