Jumping behavior of semiterrestrial tadpoles of Indirana beddomii (Günth.): relative importance of tail and body size

Abstract

This study examined the jumping pattern and its relationship with various body traits in semiterrestrial tadpoles, Indirana beddomii. The tadpoles were separated into four groups based on the absence (Group I) or presence (Group II) of functional hind limbs, presence of forelimbs (Group III), and at metamorphic climax (Group IV). During early developmental stages, tadpoles are able to move by flipping and jumping not only forward but also sideways and backward. Prior to takeoff, they usually wag the tail, possibly providing thrust to takeoff. However, in later developmental stages, hind limbs are used for take off. In Group I tadpoles, the tail was three times longer than SVL and contributed to jumping performance. In Groups II and III, both SVL and hind-limb length were positively correlated to jumping performance. In the Group III, forelimb length was also correlated with jumping performance. However, stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that, in Group II, hind limbs and, in Group III, forelimbs contributed to jumping performance. Thus I. beddomii tadpoles use their tails for jumping at early stages and limbs at later stages. Upon reaching metamorphic climax and thereafter, the correlations between jumping performance and SVL and hind- or forelimb length was lost. Lack of correlation between the body traits and jumping performance during metamorphic climax may be attributed to physiological and anatomical changes occurring during this phase.