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https://hdl.handle.net/2440/1931
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | The effects of nest temperature, nest substrate, and clutch size on the oxygenation of embryos and larvae of the Australian moss frog, Bryobatrachus nimbus |
Author: | Mitchell, N. Seymour, R. |
Citation: | Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, 2003; 76(1):60-71 |
Publisher: | Univ Chicago Press |
Issue Date: | 2003 |
ISSN: | 1522-2152 1537-5293 |
Statement of Responsibility: | Nicola J. Mitchell and Roger S. Seymour |
Abstract: | The jelly around amphibian eggs presents a formidable barrier to oxygen diffusion. Therefore, egg capsules must be thin enough, and the dimensions of globular egg masses small enough, to avoid oxygen limitation leading to developmental retardation or death. The eggs of the Australian moss frog, Bryobatrachus nimbus, have the thickest jelly capsule known for any anuran amphibian. Laboratory measurements of respirometric variables predict that single prehatching embryos should be normoxic between 5 degrees and 20 degrees C, with Po(2 in) maintained above critical levels (10.2-17.0 kPa). However, numerical models of embryos amid larger egg masses (13-20 eggs) predict hypoxia at temperatures above 5 degrees C. Contrary to model predictions, however, B. nimbus embryos rarely experience hypoxia in natural nests, because embryos occur in one or two layers and the moss substrate permits aeration of the lower surface while photosynthesis probably supplies oxygen directly. After hatching, larvae move to oxygen-rich regions of the jelly mass and disperse more widely within the mass as temperatures increase. Although nest characteristics relieve diffusive constraints, small clutch sizes, low rates of embryonic and larval respiration, and the cool climate occupied by B. nimbus are the main characteristics that prevent hypoxia. |
Keywords: | Ovum Embryo, Nonmammalian Animals Anura Oxygen Nesting Behavior Environment Temperature Energy Metabolism Oxygen Consumption Larva Litter Size Partial Pressure Tasmania |
Description: | © 2003 by The University of Chicago |
DOI: | 10.1086/345486 |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/345486 |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest 6 Earth and Environmental Sciences publications |
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