Relationship between morphotypes of Atelognathus patagonicus (Anura, Neobatrachia) and environmental conditions: evidence and possible explanation

Authors

  • María Elena Cuello Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche; Departamento de Zoología
  • Carmen A. Úbeda Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche; Departamento de Zoología
  • María T. Bello Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche; Departamento de Zoología

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v7i1p35-44

Keywords:

Anura, Neobatrachia, Atelognathus patagonicus, morphotypes, phenotypic plasticity, reversible changes, Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract

The frog Atelognathus patagonicus (Gallardo, 1962) is endemic to an endorheic pond system in basaltic basins, in Laguna Blanca National Park and its surroundings, in northwest Argentinean Patagonia. The species has two morphotypes, aquatic and littoral, which were studied in Laguna Batea, a semi permanent pond. Aquatic and terrestrial samples were taken over a period of 31 months, including periods of drought and periods of normal precipitation. Evidence was found of the reversible character of the two morphotypes. The changes in the phenotype were consistent with the water level and limnological conditions in the pond. We believe that the change and subsequent reversal of the somatic features in these frogs are an opportunistic alternative showing remarkable plasticity of the species, which can thus inhabit both permanent and temporary ponds. Therefore, the two morphotypes, aquatic and littoral, cannot be considered as "fixed forms" within a given population, as other authors have speculated, and do not correspond to ontogenetic states.

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Published

2008-06-01

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Relationship between morphotypes of Atelognathus patagonicus (Anura, Neobatrachia) and environmental conditions: evidence and possible explanation. (2008). Phyllomedusa: Journal of Herpetology, 7(1), 35-44. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v7i1p35-44