Amphibians confirm for the first time

2010/06/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Zoologia

Researchers at the University of East Carolina have revealed the fidelity of male and female frogs of the species Ranitomeya imitator from genetic studies. This is the first time they have found a really monogamous amphibian.

Although many animals seem monogamous, some genetic studies have expressed the opposite. In this case, American researchers have conducted frog DNA studies and have seen that of 12 frog families (parents and descendants) 11 families have completely loyal partners. In the twelfth family a male was equated to two females.

These frogs inhabit the tropical rain forests of South America. And place the eggs in very small wells. In these wells the tadpoles could not live without the care of both parents. Therefore, adults stay together.