Skeletal Morphology of Blanchard’s Cricket Frog, Acris crepitans blanchardi
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Maglia, Anne M.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
UMR Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program
Abstract
Acris crepitans blanchardi was once a very popular frog found over most of the Midwest. However, declines have been noted in these areas as well as various malformations such as extra or missing limbs. Many works have been written about the life history and ecology of A.c.blanchardi but very few have actually delved into the morphology of this frog, therefore, no baseline information for a comparison of abnormalities. Of those that have been written, they were either not as comprehensive or used dry, skeletal specimens where cartilaginous elements were not observed. In our results we observed various unique structures such as the varying calcification of the normally cartilaginous nasal capsules and the presence of sesamoid bones in both the hand and foot.
Biography
Jessica is a junior in Biological Sciences and a 2003 graduate of Rolla Senior High School. Her near future plans include an oral session at the National Herpetological Society’s meeting this July in New Orleans, a second publication on the developmental series of Acris crepitans blanchardi, and another publication on the osteology and 3D reconstruction of the nasal capsules of Acris crepitans blanchardi. She plans to attend graduate school and obtain a PhD in biology from Kansas University.
Research Category
Natural Sciences
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Natural Sciences oral presentation, First place
Presentation Date
12 Apr 2006, 11:00 am
Skeletal Morphology of Blanchard’s Cricket Frog, Acris crepitans blanchardi
Acris crepitans blanchardi was once a very popular frog found over most of the Midwest. However, declines have been noted in these areas as well as various malformations such as extra or missing limbs. Many works have been written about the life history and ecology of A.c.blanchardi but very few have actually delved into the morphology of this frog, therefore, no baseline information for a comparison of abnormalities. Of those that have been written, they were either not as comprehensive or used dry, skeletal specimens where cartilaginous elements were not observed. In our results we observed various unique structures such as the varying calcification of the normally cartilaginous nasal capsules and the presence of sesamoid bones in both the hand and foot.
