Comparison of the Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) populations living in different altitudes in terms of age, size, and some growth parameters

Abstract

Abstract: Ectothermic animals like amphibians have unique life histories that are impacted by a variety of eco-geographical variables. In this study, the impacts of altitude, which is one of the most frequently used parameters, were examined concerning the age structure, age upon attaining sexual maturity, sexual dimorphism, and growth of two populations of marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) living at different elevations. The maximum lifespan was 13 years, the highest lifespan ever recorded for P. ridibundus, in the high-altitude population (Sultansazlığı), while it was eight years in the low-altitude population (Ulubağ). In this study, we estimated that individuals living at low altitudes generally reach sexual maturity at the end of their 2nd or 3th year, while individuals living at high altitudes reach sexual maturity approximately one year later. Our results indicated that the population living in the high-altitude site has an average larger body size, higher age, and body weight compared to the population living in the low-altitude site.