Morphological clarifications of Australian hylid and limnodynastid tadpoles

Zootaxa. 2016 Jun 16;4126(1):146-50. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.4126.1.10.

Abstract

Tadpole morphology usually is consistent within taxa and ecologies (Altig & Johnston 1989), but the occurrences of unique morphologies offer informative perspectives on the potential diversity of these structures. Anstis (2013) characterized most of the tadpoles of Australia, but a thorough understanding of certain morphological features requires closer examinations. Until we understand the morphological features of anuran larvae, and preferably their ontogeny, we cannot productively discuss their evolution or ecological significance.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution
  • Animal Structures / anatomy & histology
  • Animal Structures / growth & development
  • Animals
  • Anura / anatomy & histology
  • Anura / classification*
  • Anura / growth & development
  • Australia
  • Body Size
  • Female
  • Larva / anatomy & histology*
  • Larva / classification
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Male
  • Organ Size