A skeletochronological estimation of age structure of a population of the paddy frog, Fejervarya multistriata, from the central east of China

Abstract

Abstract Age determination is crucial for a full understanding of population dynamics. In this context, we studied the age structure of the paddy frog, Fejervarya multistriata, in a population from the central east of China, using a skeletochronological method. The lines of arrested growth in the phalanges were distinct, and each line was assumed to represent one year of age. Ages ranged between one and four years for adult males and two and four years for adult females. No significant difference was observed in the mean adult age between the sexes. In addition, a significant relationship between age and body size within each sex was detected. Results of ANCOVA analysis suggested a significant difference in body size between sexes when the effect of age was removed. The von-Bertalanffy model showed that females had a larger asymptotic body size than males, and the growth rate of females was higher than that of males. Therefore, the growth rate is a major factor underlying body size patterns in both sexes of F. multistriata in the study population.