Abstract
ABSTRACT. We studied ontogenetic population changes of Opalina and Nyctotherus cordiformis in eight species of tadpoles from 10 sites in east‐central Mississippi. Most tadpoles acquired Opalina early in development, while the acquisition of N. cordiformis was variable. Developmental stage, species and collection site explained significant amounts of the variation in Opalina density of tadpoles (F= 11.6; df = 27, 235; P < 0.0001) and metamorphs (F= 7.31; df = 24, 84; P < 0.0001). Relationships between Opalina density and host stage showed either (1) a gradual decrease or (2) a gradual increase throughout host ontogeny. Opalina densities declined during metamorphosis. Density variations of N. cordiformis were explained by host species of tadpoles (F= 9.30; df = 7, 142; P < 0.0001) and by host species and stage of metamorphs (F= 5.85; df = 8, 62; P < 0.0001).The length of larval period, habitat duration and generation time of the protozoans are suggested as major modifiers of the protozoan densities. Hosts with long larval periods show a decreasing population density and hosts with short developmental periods show a pattern of increasing density. Neither pattern was detected in tadpoles from temporary sites. Metamorphic declines in protozoan density, but not necessarily the loss of protozoans, reflect metamorphic alterations of the gut common to all hosts.
Published Version
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