Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Aspects of the autecology of the plethodontid salamander, Aneides ferreus (Cope)

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  • Laboratory experiments and simulated field conditions were utilized to gain a better understanding of the ecology of the clouded salamander. Animals collected in western Oregon were utilized for studies in habitat selection, where it was shown that there was a significant pattern of selection of litter types (rock, bark, and leaves) by size classes and at different temperatures. The young displayed a preference for bark litter, the immature displayed an intermediate preference between rock litter and bark Utter, and the adults showed little or no preference between bark litter and rock litter. Respiratory rates were measured by a Gilson differential respirometer. The effects of size, temperature (10, 20, 25°C), and feeding regime were noted. Young animals displayed the highest rates of respiration, with fed individuals significantly higher than nonfed. Immature animals exhibited a respiratory rate intermediate between the young and adults. Those fed had higher respiratory rates at higher temperatures than did the nonfed. Adults showed the lowest respiratory rates and displayed no significant variation between fed and nonfed individuals. Population characteristics were described by detailed analysis of the dorsal and ventral color patterns. Individuals were categorized into color classes (adult, immature, and young). Adults tended to have a dark dorsal surface and a relatively light colored venter. Immature animals were more extensively colored on the dorsum with a relatively dark venter. The young displayed the most concentrated colors on the dorsum and had the darkest venter. The live young always possessed blue leucophores. Reproductive studies revealed the possibility of determining sex, in all sizes of animals, by analysis of the inner vent. Through dissections of animals from all months except January, mature males were shown to have little annual variation in appearance and size of testes and vasa deferentia. Sperm were found in mature male vasa deferentia in every month except September. Males are believed to mature during the second year or at a snout-vent length of over 36 mm. Females contained sperm in their spermathecae in every month that late egg development was evident. Mature females probably lay eggs every other year after attaining a size of about 55 mm (snoutvent length). The first egg laying is probably in the third year of life. A prolonged breeding period is likely with spermatophore deposition in early May. About 12 eggs are deposited in late June and throughout July with hatching approximately two months later. The newly hatched individuals measured 25. 9 mm (total length) and fed in 14 days. There was a differential death pattern, inversely proportional to size.
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