Picky Tongues: Dietary Variety and Species Size in Local Anurans

This topic submitted by Leo Sack, Zach Moning, Willis Okech ( Cliffhanger@fuse.net ) on 12/14/03 .

Natural Systems 1 Syllabus---Western Program---Miami University

Picky Tongues: Dietary Variety and Species Size in Local Anurans

Look here for a Link to our Final Research Report Picky Tongues: Dietary Variety and Species Size in Local Anurans

Abstract: To better understand the feeding habits of three separate species of frogs (Acris crepitans blanchardi, Rana pipiens, and Rana clamitans melanota), we captured five of each desired species. Each frog was isolated through the use of several different aquaria with plastic dividers. Every other day, we offered each of them Guppies, Meal Worms, Red Wriggler Worms, and Crickets. On the following feeding days, we observed which type of food was eaten. Our goal was to discover whether the specimen size of a species affects the diversity of said species' typical diet. Understanding the eating habits of Anurans is a key step in discovering why so many of them are declining so rapidly, while others prosper and spread like a feral conflagration. Our prediction was that larger frogs are better adapted to a wider variety of dietary options, while smaller frogs have a very selective diet. If that is true, then one could easily predict whether or not a particular amphibian population will decline based on the size of the individual specimens. Through our feeding experiment and research of previous studies, we hoped to determine whether or not this is true. Our results showed that, at least between the Northern Green Frogs (Rana clamitans melanota) and Northern Leopard Frogs (Rana pipiens), the former of which is larger, were that they both ate each offered type of food but in different amounts. The difference in their weight gains were also insignificant. The only significant result we found was in the preferences of the two species. The third species, unfortunately, consisted of rebellious frogs who were not willing to cooperate with the scientific progress.

To read our full and final report and find additional information and bonus fun stuff, click here--Picky Tongues: Dietary Variety and Species Size in Local Anurans.

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