Prey Preference, Foraging Behavior, and Metabolic Characteristics of Frogs

Metabolic correlates of prey preference were evaluated in four species of tropical frogs. Predation on ants and termites is correlated with high aerobic capacity, low anaerobic capacity, and high resting metabolism. In contrast, dependence on larger, more mobile prey such as orthopterans and coleopt...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American naturalist 1983-10, Vol.122 (4), p.509-520
Main Authors: Taigen, Theodore L., Pough, F. Harvey
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amphibians
Anaerobiosis
Ants
Anura
Biological and medical sciences
Foraging
Frogs
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Intermediate and energetic metabolism
Lizards
Metabolism
Metabolisms and neurohumoral controls
Oxygen consumption
Predators
Species
Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
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Summary:Metabolic correlates of prey preference were evaluated in four species of tropical frogs. Predation on ants and termites is correlated with high aerobic capacity, low anaerobic capacity, and high resting metabolism. In contrast, dependence on larger, more mobile prey such as orthopterans and coleopterans is associated with low aerobic capacity, high anaerobic capacity, and low resting metabolism. These correlations presumably stem from the metabolic demands of different foraging behaviors. Characteristics of both the predator and the prey interact to create these demands, thereby producing a spectrum of foraging modes. Locomotion, agonistic behavior, and reproductive characteristics also can be intimately associated with metabolic capacities. The exercise physiology of predators reflects the complexity of this situation.
ISSN:0003-0147
1537-5323
DOI:10.1086/284152