| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Nali, Renato C.
;
Borges, Marilia M.
;
Leandro, Gabriela da S.
;
Zena, Lucas A.
;
Bicego, Kenia C.
;
Prado, Cynthia P. A.
Total Authors: 6
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL; v. 35, n. 2, p. 5-pg., 2025-04-01. |
| Abstract | |
The colonisation of land by tetrapods marked a critical event in animal evolution, introducing desiccation risk as a pivotal selective pressure that influenced physiological, behavioural and morphological adaptations. Leaf-frogs (Phyllomedusinae) exhibit adaptations to mitigate water loss, but limited observations hinder our understanding of these behaviours' prevalence and consequently their evolutionary history. Here, we present novel observations of wiping and bladder-filling behaviours in the leaf-frog Pithecopus ayeaye. Wiping behaviour was recorded in both natural and captive settings, when frogs used their fore and hindlimbs to spread lipidic substances across the skin. Furthermore, we observed bladder-filling behaviour for the first time in this derived Phyllomedusinae genus. Our findings challenge existing paradigms regarding the evolution of these traits and emphasise the need for comprehensive studies across phyllomedusine genera to elucidate their phylogenetic distribution and adaptive significance. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 09/12013-4 - Reproductive ecology of anuran amphibians: an evolutionary perspective |
| Grantee: | Cynthia Peralta de Almeida Prado |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants |
| FAPESP's process: | 10/03656-6 - Reproductive biology of Bokermannohyla ibitiguara (Anura, Hylidae) in streams in Soutwestern Minas Gerais state. |
| Grantee: | Renato Christensen Nali |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |
| FAPESP's process: | 21/10639-5 - Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change |
| Grantee: | Leonor Patricia Cerdeira Morellato |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC |
| FAPESP's process: | 21/10910-0 - Physiological capacities and resilience facing climate change: exploring the functional dimension in ectothermic vertebrates |
| Grantee: | Kênia Cardoso Bícego |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |