Geographic Variation in Morphology between Two Groups of Rana Luteiventris in Western Montana

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Authors
Knight, Jeff
Advisor
Editor
Date of Issue
1999-04-01
Subject Keywords
western spotted frog, Rana luteiventris
Publisher
Citation
Series/Report No.
item.page.identifier
Title
Geographic Variation in Morphology between Two Groups of Rana Luteiventris in Western Montana
Other Titles
Type
thesis
Description
Abstract
I examined geographic variation in the morphology of a species of the western spotted frog, Rana luteiventris. This study focuses on an area of the spotted frog range in Montana that has not been studied extensively. Eleven different measurements for shape from two geographically isolated groups of spotted frogs were made and analyzed using Discriminant Function Analysis. The results show that geographic variation does occur and that the two groups can be distinguished from one another by using morphological measurements. Environmental and genetic factors are two possible sources of this variation. Further investigation into the spotted frogs of this area could reveal more information into the patterns and mechanisms responsible for the observed results.
Sponsors
Degree Awarded
Bachelor's
Semester
Spring
Department
Life & Environmental Sciences