Application of Skeletochronology in Studying the Histological Structure and Age of the Marsh Frog Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771) in Khuzestan Province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

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.

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Main Subjects

Biodiversity and Animal Taxonomy
Volume 2, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
March 2023
Pages 348-357

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 06 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 12 January 2025

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