Skip to content

Nature

Interesting frog father behaviour

by Dave Armstrong 21 Jan 2014
Interesting frog father behaviour

Danger from fungal infection, encouraging growth of tadpoles, or simple absent-mindedness. Your own conclusions on the motivation for this cannibalism are welcome; Dendrobates image; Credit: © Shutterstock

The poison frogs have a reputation. They must be avoided in nature by all predators and they need to display their brilliant colours to show this. Male frogs look after their young in these species and the latest research shows an intriguing method they use in doing this.

Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology publish the work of Bibiana Rojas from the Finnish University of Jyvà ¤skylà ¤ in Strange parental decisions: fathers of the dyeing poison frog deposit their tadpoles in pools occupied by large cannibals.

She found the pools chosen by the frogs were always those with older tadpoles in them. Disconcerting for the hatching tadpoles to be eaten before they're able to escape, but most fortunate for the older cannibals. In French Guiana, Dendrobates tinctoria lay clutches of only 4-5 eggs which the males then convey to tree-holes or spaces in the bracts of palm trees. After 2 months the metamorphosis takes place to release the tiny amphibians from their tiny watery "prison," but only if it doesn't dry up.

A large tadpole from the same species will indicate to fathers that this pool is a good location for growth, but the choice of pools that are suitable is very limited. Bibiana Rojas comes to the conclusion that predation is a risk better taken than the risk of unsuitable habitat. As she says, "the decision is like a gamble for the frog father." Thinking ability is taken out of the argument, so this great achievement of survival against the odds is a trait that this species has developed simply as Darwinian section process. Those that become adult will have the trait to continue using already-occupied larval habitats.

With chytrid fungal threats bringing many species close to extinction, it could even be that this kind of behaviour is the most successful frog "antidote." You would conclude also, of course, that, like many amphibians, the parent is simply feeding the species with its own newer offspring. The older tadpole could be the offspring of that male, placed there 2 months earlier. Without such food, he may die.

Dr. Rojas is the supreme judge however, as she concludes that, "predation/cannibalism is not the only factor that parents assess when choosing deposition sites, and that the presence of larger conspecifics may instead provide information about pool quality and stability."


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me