A reliable, non-invasive technique for measuring growth in tadpoles exposed to salt.
The use of chemical de-icers raises salt levels in roadside streams and ponds, which has adverse effects on tadpole development. Experiments on the effects of de-icers on tadpole development are often hampered by difficulties measuring body size without introducing handling stress that may skew results or cause unintended mortality. We have found a linear relationship between surface area and body mass in tadpoles that is unaffected by exposure to salt. Measuring surface area is therefore a suitable technique whose use should be encouraged when investigating the effects of salt exposure on tadpole growth and development.
Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Penn State Altoona, Altoona, PA, USA. Electronic address: matthewweeg@suu.edu.
Matthew S
MS
Weeg
School of Forest Resources, Penn State University, State College, PA, USA. Electronic address: jacqualinegrant@suu.edu.
Jacqualine B
JB
Grant
D000818:Animals; D049628:Body Size; D007814:Larva / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D011898:Ranidae / Q000254:growth & development*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000633:toxicity*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D012965:Sodium Chloride
Growth; Metamorphosis; Road salt; Salinity; Tadpole