Experience has no effect on the development of chemosensory recognition of predators by tadpoles of the American toad, Bufo Americanus.
Persistent URL
Author(s)
Gallie, Jonathan A.
Mumme, Ronald L.
Wissinger, Scott A.
Date Issued
September 1, 2001
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Although chemosensory recognition of predators by larval amphibians is well known,
the extent to which experience plays a role in the development of this anti-predator behavior is
unclear. We addressed this issue by exposing laboratory-reared (naive) and wild-caught (experienced)
tadpoles of the American toad, Bufo americanus, to water-borne chemical cues of three different
potential predators (bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus, larvae of the odonate Anax junius, and
adults of the red-spotted newt, Notophthalmus viridescens). Compared to control tadpoles exposed
to dechlorinated water, tadpoles exposed to chemical cues of Lepomis and Anax significantly de-
creased activity and significantly increased aggregation. However, the behavior of tadpoles exposed
to chemical cues of Notophthalmus was identical to that of control tadpoles. Most importantly, we
found no difference in anti-predator behavior between laboratory-reared and wild-caught tadpoles.
We conclude that larval experience with predators is unnecessary for the development of chemo-
sensory predator recognition and that anti-predator behavior in this species is largely innate.
Journal
Herpetologica
Department
Biology
Citation
Gallie, J.A., Mumme, R.L., and Wissinger, S.A. (2001). Experience has no effect on the development of chemosensory recognition of predators by tadpoles of the American toad, Bufo Americanus. Herpetologica 57(3): 376-383.
Publisher
The Herpetologists' League, Inc.
Version of Article
Published article
ISSN
0018-0831
Rights
This article is restricted by copyright. Please contact the publisher or author for access.
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