While we were on the field trip at the Caw Caw Interpretive Center we were able to observe a Bullfrog tadpole. I was actually so excited to see one, because they're such a large tadpole and this one had partially formed its hind limbs! This tadpole is a male because it has something hanging in-between the back legs unlike females that have nothing there. A tadpole will begin to grow its hind limbs once it reaches an ideal size or when growth begins to slow. Hind limbs also typically grow before the front limbs. Once all four limbs are formed the tail will begin to absorb through a process called apoptosis.
Many different things can trigger a tadpole to undergo metamorphosis. If a tadpole is faced with competition or predators that can trigger the frog to metamorphosis. The small mouth of this tadpole is herbivorous until it matures and the mouth is then rearranged to be carnivorous.
Male Bullfrog tadpole.
The tadpole will keep its hind limbs close to its body so that they do not slow it down while swimming.
1 comment:
What traits suggest that this individual is a bullfrog? Also, tadpoles are not sexually dimorphic externally; if there's something between the legs, it is the cloaca!
Post a Comment