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Sexually dimorphic laryngeal morphology in Rana pipiens
Author(s) -
McClelland Blinda E.,
Wilczynski Walter
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.1052010308
Subject(s) - sexual dimorphism , biology , larynx , anatomy , rana , morphology (biology) , sexual difference , zoology , psychology , psychoanalysis
The sexually dimorphic vocal characteristics of Rana pipiens release calls suggest that there may be differences in the anatomical components of the larynx. The volumes of the arytenoid cartilage, surrounding muscle masses, vocal cords, supporting bronchial process, and the release‐call amplitudes of six males and five females were measured in same‐sized animals and sexual differences assessed. No qualitative differences in laryngeal morphology were observed, but all features measured except vocal cords were significantly larger in males. The implications of an increased laryngeal size are discussed in relation to differences previously observed in the vocalizations of this and other species and in relation to prior suggestions regarding the developmental basis of anuran sexual dimorphisms.