The Biology and Systematics of Southeast Asian Frogs

9317642沃德比较法为追踪功能复合体随时间的变化提供了一种强大的技术。从这一角度研究了一组东南亚蛙(蛙科)一种不寻常的颅骨形态的起源和后续影响。激素分析表明，这一组不寻常的形态特征和行为的发生与睾丸激素水平的降低和父母养育的发展有关。拟议的工作包括继续调查形态特征表达的近端控制水平，对这些独特的青蛙的行为进行更多的观察，以及利用形态和分子特征进行扩展的系统发育(系谱)分析。这项工作将建立一个明显的功能复合体的组成部分之间的关系：睾丸激素减少和男性父母照顾的发生。

9317642 Ward The comparative method offers a powerful technique for tracking change in functional complexes through time. The origin and subsequent effects of an unusual cranial morphology are examined from this perspective in a group of Southeast Asian frogs (Ranidae). Hormone analysis suggests that the occurrence of the unusual set of morphological traits and behaviors in this group is related to a reduction of testosterone levels and the development of parental care. Proposed work includes continuing investigation of the proximal level of control for the expression of morphological characters, additional observations on the behavior of these unique frogs, and expanded phylogenetic (genealogical) analysis using both morphological and molecular characters. The work will establish the relationship among the components of an apparent functional complex: reduced testosterone and the occurrence of male parental care.