Class
Article
College
College of Science
Department
Biology Department
Faculty Mentor
Molly Womack
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
The purpose of our research is to examine whether there is a correlation between frog toe tip morphology and ecology (microhabitat). We hypothesized that if frog toe tip morphology is correlated with environmental factors, then aquatic and semi-aquatic species will have larger measured distances of toe tip widths. We predict that aquatic and semi-aquatic species will have larger measured toe tip widths across phylogeny to enhance swimming abilities. Anuran samples of 217 species were used in our correlational analysis. Using the package geomorph in R, we placed 3D landmarks on the toe tip of the second digit. We then performed preliminary analysis on changes in the anuran toe tips associated with microhabitats using MorphoJ. From our PCA analysis we were able to correlate smaller toe tip width distances with aquatic and semi-aquatic species (p < 1e-04). Presentation Time: Wednesday, 9-10 a.m.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-13-2021 12:00 AM
Included in
Correlational Study of Frog Toe-Tip Morphology and Microhabitats
Logan, UT
The purpose of our research is to examine whether there is a correlation between frog toe tip morphology and ecology (microhabitat). We hypothesized that if frog toe tip morphology is correlated with environmental factors, then aquatic and semi-aquatic species will have larger measured distances of toe tip widths. We predict that aquatic and semi-aquatic species will have larger measured toe tip widths across phylogeny to enhance swimming abilities. Anuran samples of 217 species were used in our correlational analysis. Using the package geomorph in R, we placed 3D landmarks on the toe tip of the second digit. We then performed preliminary analysis on changes in the anuran toe tips associated with microhabitats using MorphoJ. From our PCA analysis we were able to correlate smaller toe tip width distances with aquatic and semi-aquatic species (p < 1e-04). Presentation Time: Wednesday, 9-10 a.m.