The effect of local heating on the calls of the fire—Bellied toad, Bombina Bombina (L.)

Abstract

In order to determine where the characteristic temperature-dependent changes in calling rate, call duration and fundamental frequency of the call of the fire-bellied toad originate, I heated the head and other parts of the body to various temperatures. The greatest increase in calling rate occured when the head was heated; it varied with the amount of heating. The changes in calling rate and call duration brought about by heating were equally rapid, whereas the frequency of the call increased more slowly. This suggests that both calling rate and call duration change as a direct result of the effect of heat upon the nervous system.