نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه زیست شناسی، دانشکده علوم، دانشگاه شهید چمران اهواز، اهواز، ایران
2 گروه علوم پایه، دانشکده دامپزشکی، دانشگاه رازی، کرمانشاه، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
This study investigates the bone tissue structure and growth patterns of the marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) populations in the northern and southern regions of Khuzestan Province using skeletochronology. This precise method analyzes Lines of Arrested Growth (LAGs) in long bones to accurately estimate the age and growth dynamics of individuals and populations. Twenty adult frogs, both males and females, were sampled during spring and autumn. Following preparation of histological sections and hematoxylin-eosin staining, four main bone regions—including the bone marrow, endosteal bone, periosteum, and LAGs—were carefully examined. Results showed a maximum lifespan of up to 12 years for females and 7 years for males, with the highest frequency observed in the 2- to 4-year age groups. A positive and significant correlation was found between age and both total body weight and eye lens weight, whereas the relationship between age and snout–vent length (SVL) was not significant, indicating that changes in body length were not clearly correlated with age. These findings highlight the influence of local climatic and ecological conditions on growth patterns and age structure in this species and emphasize the value of skeletochronology in ecological and conservation research on amphibians. By combining detailed morphometric and histological analyses, this study offers new insights for the sustainable management and protection of marsh frog populations in Khuzestan’s diverse habitats.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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