title: Energy accumulation and amphibian metamorphosis.
abstract: Timing of metamorphosis and size at metamorphosis were examined for Hyla crucifer under two densities in the laboratory. Results agree with previously known relationships for ranids and bufonids: at higher densities developmental time is longer, mean size at metamorphosis is smaller, and both parameters have greater variance than at lower densities. Density also affects energy accumulation: under ad libitum feeding conditions, an average individual raised at a higher density is able to accumulate less energy before metamorphosis than an average individual raised at a lower density. The suggestion is made that, in addition to growth and differentiation rates, energy accumulation may be important in determining when amphibian metamorphosis occurs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, University of Florida, 32611, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Martha L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Crump