Open AccessThermal preference in the pool frog Rana lessonae: impact on the reproductive behaviour of a northern fringe population
Author(s) -
Sjögren Per,
Elmberg Johan,
Berglind SvenÅke
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
ecography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.973
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1600-0587
pISSN - 0906-7590
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0587.1988.tb00798.x
Subject(s) - biology , seasonal breeder , population , ecology , reproduction , zoology , chorus , preference , rana , demography , art , literature , sociology , economics , microeconomics , endocrinology
A documented warmth preference in the pool frog Rana lessonae is also expressed in the reproductive behaviour of a northern fringe population (60°N). During the breeding period of 31 days, individually marked frogs were observed during chorus. Male choruses were formed in the warmest parts of the pond, but moved between three areas. At night, these areas maintained the highest water temperatures in the pond, especially at low temperatures prevailing in the beginning of the breeding period. Oviposition occurred in the current chorus areas, and 86% took place during the first two weeks of the breeding period. That the choruses and oviposition changed locations within the favourable breeding areas can be explained by a pronounced thermal preference in the frogs, and winds moving the warm surface water in different directions. The water temperature required to initiate oviposition was 16°C, which is similar to those reported from related more southern populations. The thermal preference expressed in the breeding behaviour of both sexes and the tendency for early oviposition may be behavioural responses to environmental constraints on reproduction in the short season at 6O°N.