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Research Article
Explanation for missing limbs in deformed amphibians
Article first published online: 8 JUN 2009
DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.21296
Copyright © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc., A Wiley Company
Issue
Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B: Molecular and Developmental Evolution
Volume 312B, Issue 7, pages 770–779, 15 November 2009
Additional Information
How to Cite
Ballengée, B. and Sessions, S. K. (2009), Explanation for missing limbs in deformed amphibians. Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B: Molecular and Developmental Evolution, 312B: 770–779. doi: 10.1002/jez.b.21296
Publication History
- Issue published online: 8 OCT 2009
- Article first published online: 8 JUN 2009
- Manuscript Accepted: 1 APR 2009
- Manuscript Revised: 30 MAR 2009
- Manuscript Received: 3 NOV 2008
Funded by
- NSF. Grant Number: DEB 0515536
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
We present evidence that the most commonly found deformities in wild-caught amphibians, those featuring missing limbs and missing limb segments, may be the result of selective predation. Here we report that predatory dragonfly nymphs can severely injure and even fully amputate developing hind limbs of anuran tadpoles. Developmental responses of the injured/amputated tadpole limbs range from complete regeneration to no regeneration, with intermediate conditions represented by various idiosyncratic limb deformities, depending mainly on the developmental stage of the tadpole at the time of injury/amputation. These findings were reinforced by experimental amputations of anuran tadpole hind limbs that resulted in similar deformities. Our studies suggest that selective predation by dragonfly nymphs and other aquatic predators may play a significant role in the most common kinds of limb deformities found in natural populations of amphibians. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:770–779, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.