Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Reproductive Techniques for Ovarian Monitoring and Control in Amphibians
Published on: May 12, 2019
Predator-induced morphological changes in an amphibian: predation by dragonflies affects tadpole shape and color
S A McCollum1, J D Leimberger2
1Department of Zoology, Duke University, Box 90325, Durham, NC 27708-0325, USA, , , , , , US.
Abstract:
Predator-induced defenses are well studied in plants and invertebrate animals, but have only recently been recognized in vertebrates. Gray treefrog (Hylachrysoscelis) tadpoles reared with predatory dragonfly (Aeshnaumbrosa) larvae differ in shape and color from tadpoles reared in the absence of dragonflies. By exposing tadpoles to tail damage and the non-lethal presence of starved and fed dragonflies, we determined that these phenotypic differences are induced by non-contact cues present when dragonflies prey on Hyla. The induced changes in shape are in the direction that tends to increase swimming speed; thus, the induced morphology may help tadpoles evade predators. Altering morphology in response to predators is likely to influence interactions with other species in the community as well.
Related Concept Videos
Predator-Prey Interactions
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Types of Selection
Speciation Rates
Frequency-dependent Selection
Hybrid Zones

