Exploring Altitude's Influence: Contrasting Embryonic Development of Hyla annectans Jerdon in High and Low Altitude Environments

Abstract

The study investigated the embryonic development of Hyla annectans Jerdon, a frog species, at high and low altitude breeding sites of Meghalaya, North East India. Results revealed significant differences in the duration of embryonic development and hatching between the two altitudes. Embryos at low altitude sites exhibited a faster development, hatching approximately four days earlier than those at high altitude sites. Early embryonic stages displayed similar characteristics in size between the two sites, but distinct differences emerged during later stages, notably in stages associated with heart development, muscular response, and gill circulation. Furthermore, metamorphosis completion varied between altitudes, with a shorter duration observed at low altitude compared to high altitude. Environmental conditions, particularly water properties, also differed significantly between the two sites. Water temperature and free carbon dioxide levels were higher at low altitude, while pH and dissolved oxygen levels were higher at high altitude. These findings suggest a potential influence of altitudinal gradients as environmental factors on embryonic development in H. annectans.