Abstract
Animal behavior is a vast field of study, including experiments into predator prey relationships across freshwater ecosystems. Previous studies have demonstrated that tadpoles are capable of responding to aquatic predator chemical cues, including dragonfly larvae, fish, snake, crayfish, and even conspecific tadpoles. However, little is known regarding tadpole anti-predatory responses to freshwater turtles. Therefore, we investigated whether tadpole respond to chemical cues of turtles found in the same pond. We found Upland Chorus frog tadpoles decreased their movement, increased their latency to move, and avoided areas where Painted turtle stimulus was injected. Our study adds to the body of knowledge on the ability of tadpoles to detect turtles as predators. Future studies could further investigate these ecological relationships in pond-dwelling herpetofauna.
Recommended Citation
Manigault, Laila Kiara and Unger, Shem
(2023)
"Tadpoles and Turtles: Can You Smell that Smell?,"
International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities: Vol. 15:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7710/2168-0620.0387
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/ijurca/vol15/iss1/5