A population study of four species of frogs

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Authors
Zulich, Michael O.
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Issue Date
1966
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Thesis (M.S.)
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Abstract

The problem which was investigated here was the development of a technique for determining the movements of frogs about their breeding pond during the breeding season and the application of this technique to a population of frogs. If this technique were to yield accurate data, then an investigator could determine whether the movements of the frogs were at random or whether they appeared to be directed. In the latter case, "direction" could be considered to be toward a home area or region within the breeding pond from which the male frogs calls and it could then be assumed that frogs have a homing instinct (and ability) which brings them back to their particular area within the pond. If, however, the movements appear to be at random, this would tend to disprove the hypothesis of individual home areas within the breeding pond.The importance of investigating this problem is underscored by the lack of research in this particular area. It is true that there have been several studies which indicate that amphibians have a well-developed homing ability, but these studies, for the most part, only entailed a displacement and subsequent return to a generalized feeding or breeding area. They have not been concerned with movements within the breeding pond itself. They have found that amphibians will return to the breeding pond but do not investigate the area of the pond to which they will return. The research reported here could help answer this problem.

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