McPeek 9700877 This project is designed to understand the evolutionary history of how different groups of frogs have adapted to their environment. Different species of frogs are presently found in different types of ponds: permanent ponds with fish, permanent ponds without fish, vernal ponds that dry yearly. Closely related species in three frog families (toads (Bufonidae), true frogs (Ranidae), tree frogs (Hylidae)) segregate among these pond types. For example, the green frog and the bullfrog evolved from a common ancestor, yet green frogs are found only in ponds without fish, and bullfrogs are found primarily in ponds with fish. Previous research has revealed that different predators and competition for food cause this segregation of species. By quantifying traits related to how well tadpoles evade predators and compete with other species, this project will determine which traits are essential for successfully inhabiting each pond type. Study of the relationships between these traits, pond type and the evolutionary history of species, will also reveal the role of adaptation (acquiring traits that increase survivorship in a new habitat) in forming the present-day frog fauna. This project is important to furthering our understanding of factors that influence the ability of species to utilize a new habitat.
