Caudata Reproduction And Characteristics Flashcards
What is the reproductive mode of Sirenidae?
Eggs attached to vegetation in water or rudimentary nest in submerged vegetation
What is the reproductive mode of Cryptobranchidea?
Males constructs nest under rocks (den masters)
Several females deposit eggs - 1k-2k
Fertilization external
Males guard nest through early larval stage
Nest used in successive year and defended by males
What is the reproductive mode of Rhyacotritonidae?
Breeding season protracted - up to 10 months
Eggs desposited singly in crevice or debris in streams
Larval period 3-5years
What is the reproductive mode of Proteidae?
Courtship and mating- fall through winter / early spring
Oviposition (egg laying) - spring/early summer
Eggs attached to logs, rocks, debris
Some species tend to clutched until hatching
What is the reproductive mode of Salamandridae?
Courtship behaviors elaborate
Fertilization internal via spermatophore
Eggs deposited in ponds or streams
One species retains developing eggs in body and deposits as advanced larvae or fully developed
What is the reproductive mode of Ambystomatidae?
Most breeding early spring - lay eggs in ponds/slow moving water
Others fall - eggs laid on land near water
Hybridization notorious in Midwest and N.E . US - producing unisexual forms (JLL) (JJL)
Metamorphosis- either facultative or obligate
What is the reproductive mode of Dicamptodontidae?
Eggs deposited under rocks or in cold streams; guarded by females
At hatching, all 4 limbs are well-developed (most salamander larvae only have forelimbs at hatching)
1. Deposited may or 2. anytime execpt winter
Larval period 2-5 years
What are some characteristics of Sirenidae?
•Long, slender, eel-like
•Lack pelvic girdle and hind limbs
•Keratinized beak
•Paedomorphosis - no eyelids, external gills, non-pedicellate teeth, fewer digits on forelimbs, and adult skin similar to juvenile
What are some characteristics of Cryptobranchidae?
• Body and head flattened
• Paedomorphosis - no eyelid, one pair of gill slits
• cutaneous respiration
•Bio-indicators
•All threatened
What are some characteristics of Rhyacotritonidae?
•Males characterized by squared-off gland near vent
•Loss of operculum and opercularis muscle
• Greatly reduced lungs
What are some characteristics of Amphiumidae?
•Like Sirens - enlongate, Paedomorphic aquatic salamanders lacking eyelids
• Unlike Sirens - retain both pairs of limbs and limb girdles
What are some characteristics of Plethodontidae?
Most diverse group
All lungless and fully metamorphosed
Nano-labial groove (aids in chemorecption)
Body form - robust to enlongate
Arboreal species have webbed feet and prehensile tail.
Some species have aposematic coloration, involved in mimicry complexes
What are some characteristics of Proteidae?
Paedomorphic - large gills and caudal fin
Lack maxillary bone
2 pairs of larval gill slits (3 are in other salamanders)
What are some characteristics of Salamandridae?
Size- small to moderate
Smooth to rugose skin
In some species - skin glands produce neurotoxic secretions (tetrodotoxin TTX)
Aposematic coloration and defensive displays
What are some characteristics of Ambystomatidae?
Robust, moderate size
Metamorphosis either facultative or obligate
