Developmental changes and novelties in ceratophryid frogs.

Marissa Fabrezi,Julio César Cruz,Javier Goldberg,Richard J Wassersug,Mariana Chuliver Pereyra,Silvia Inés Quinzio

doi:10.1186/s13227-016-0043-9

Marissa Fabrezi, Julio César Cruz + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13227-016-0043-9

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Abstract

The Neotropical frog genera Ceratophrys, Chacophrys and Lepidobatrachus form the monophyletic family Ceratophryidae. Although in- and out-group relationships are not fully resolved, the monophyly of the three genera is well supported by both morphological and molecular data. Much is known about the morphology of the ceratophryids, but there is little comparative information on how modification of a common ancestral developmental pathway played a role in shaping their particular body plans. Herein, we review morphological variation during ceratophryid ontogeny in order to explore the role of development in their evolution. The ceratophryids are collectively characterized by rapid larval development with respect to other anurans, yet the three genera differ in their postmetamorphic growth rates to sexual maturity. Derived traits in the group can be divided into many homoplastic features that evolved in parallel with those of anurans with fossorial/burrowing behaviors in semiarid environments, and apomorphies. Morphological novelties have evolved in their feeding mechanism, which makes them capable of feeding on exceptional large prey. Lepidobatrachus is unusual in having reduced the ecomorphological differences between its larvae and adults. As a result, both the larvae and the frog are similarly able to capture large prey underwater. Some unique features in Lepidobatrachus are differentiated in the tadpole and then exaggerated in the adult (e.g., the posterior displaced jaw articulation) in a manner unobserved in any other anurans.

Highlights

Based on morphological and molecular data, the South American anuran genera Chacophrys Reig and Limeses 1963, Ceratophrys Wied-Neuwied 1824 and Lepidobatrachus Budgett 1899 constitute a monophyletic clade, the Ceratophryidae
Morphological evolution related to the postaxial skeleton indicative of homoplasy In anurans, with the exception of axial musculature that changes with metamorphosis, the appendicular musculoskeletal system develops and grows independently of the larval body plan [54]
The hyalia are interrupted with short otic and hyoid segments, and there is an additional dorsal transverse ossification that is unique among anurans with a distinctive developmental sequence [81]

Summary

Introduction

Based on morphological and molecular data, the South American anuran genera Chacophrys Reig and Limeses 1963 (one species), Ceratophrys Wied-Neuwied 1824 (eight species) and Lepidobatrachus Budgett 1899 (three species) constitute a monophyletic clade, the Ceratophryidae. ▸ Fig. 2 Morphological variation among larval and adult ceratophryids. Lepidobatrachus tadpoles display many morphological features for capturing very large prey that are exceptional among anurans [30, 32, 35, 36].

Results

Conclusion