Picky Tongues A study of the eating habits of anuran species by Zach Moning, Leo Sack, and Willis Okech

Background Information The Order Anura includes frogs and toadsThe Order Anura includes frogs and toads Frogs spend their entire lives in or around bodies of water, while toads return to water only to lay eggsFrogs spend their entire lives in or around bodies of water, while toads return to water only to lay eggs The species we study are all frogsThe species we study are all frogs

Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs (Acris crepitans blanchardi)

Northern Green Frogs (Rana clamitans melanota)

Leopard Frogs (Rana pipiens)

Research Question and Hypotheses How does species size affect the eating habits of anurans?How does species size affect the eating habits of anurans? We believe that larger frogs will have more diverse dietsWe believe that larger frogs will have more diverse diets We also believe that larger frogs will grow in biomass more rapidly than smaller onesWe also believe that larger frogs will grow in biomass more rapidly than smaller ones

Methods Every other day, we offer each of the 15 frogs the following: crickets, guppies, meal worms, and wormsEvery other day, we offer each of the 15 frogs the following: crickets, guppies, meal worms, and worms During each feeding time, we note which items have been consumedDuring each feeding time, we note which items have been consumed Every week, we weigh the frogsEvery week, we weigh the frogs

What’s New, Pussycat…er, Frog? Several Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs, on an apparent hunger strike, have perished (May they rest eternally in peace). Our specimen number has dwindled to 14Several Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs, on an apparent hunger strike, have perished (May they rest eternally in peace). Our specimen number has dwindled to 14 One of the aquaria has sprung a leak, leaving us resorting to desperate measuresOne of the aquaria has sprung a leak, leaving us resorting to desperate measures Our data collection has finally begun! w00t!Our data collection has finally begun! w00t!

Relevance of Research Amphibians are the perfect bio-indicatorAmphibians are the perfect bio-indicator Anurans can become hella invasive, yoAnurans can become hella invasive, yo –American Bullfrogs in the American Midwest –Cane Toads in Australia Several species of frogs and toads are disappearing, such as Blanchard’s Cricket FrogsSeveral species of frogs and toads are disappearing, such as Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs Your mom probably likes frogsYour mom probably likes frogs

What to do Today! Aquarium cleaning (YAY!!!)Aquarium cleaning (YAY!!!) Taking data/Feeding frogs (YAY!!!)Taking data/Feeding frogs (YAY!!!) Attempting to fix the broken aquarium (YAY!!!)Attempting to fix the broken aquarium (YAY!!!) Weighing frogs (YAY!!!)Weighing frogs (YAY!!!)

“Frogs are Neat!” - Charles Darwin (probably) The end.