Kin Recognition in Tadpoles of Rana luteiventris reared in different densities

Abstract

After rearing Rana luteiventris tadpoles at high (80-100/L) and low (2/L) densities, I tested tadpoles for kin discriminatory behavior in a standardized choice tank. To test whether density manipulations influenced growth, I measured tadpole mass at metamorphosis. Results suggest that density manipulations were not effective, as tadpole mass at metamorphosis was not different between treatments. However, tadpoles exhibited kin discriminatory behavior irrespective of density treatments. My results suggest spotted frog tadpoles exhibit kin discriminatory behavior, although it is still unknown whether rearing conditions may influence such behavior.