Species-specific loss of sexual dimorphism in vocal effectors accompanies vocal simplification in African clawed frogs (Xenopus)

The Journal of Experimental Biology
Elizabeth C LeiningerD B Kelley

Abstract

Phylogenetic studies can reveal patterns of evolutionary change, including the gain or loss of elaborate courtship traits in males. Male African clawed frogs generally produce complex and rapid courtship vocalizations, whereas female calls are simple and slow. In a few species, however, male vocalizations are also simple and slow, suggesting loss of male-typical traits. Here, we explore features of the male vocal organ that could contribute to loss in two species with simple, slow male calls. In Xenopus boumbaensis, laryngeal morphology is more robust in males than in females. Larynges are larger, have a more complex cartilaginous morphology and contain more muscle fibers. Laryngeal muscle fibers are exclusively fast-twitch in males but are both fast- and slow-twitch in females. The laryngeal electromyogram, a measure of neuromuscular synaptic strength, shows greater potentiation in males than in females. Male-specific physiological features are shared with X. laevis, as well as with a species of the sister clade, Silurana tropicalis, and thus are likely ancestral. In X. borealis, certain aspects of laryngeal morphology and physiology are sexually monomorphic rather than dimorphic. In both sexes, laryngeal muscle fibers are of ...Continue Reading

References

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Feb 15, 2013·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Elizabeth C Leininger, Darcy B Kelley
Jan 1, 2011·Behaviour·Martha L TobiasDarcy B Kelley

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Citations

Jan 18, 2017·Genesis : the Journal of Genetics and Development·Darcy B KelleyErik Zornik
Oct 21, 2016·Journal of Neurophysiology·Ayako YamaguchiTodd Appleby
Dec 25, 2016·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Charlotte L BarkanDarcy B Kelley
Oct 11, 2017·Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology·Lisa A Mangiamele, Matthew J Fuxjager
Oct 25, 2017·Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology·D Ashley Monks, Melissa M Holmes
Jan 8, 2021·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Kelly E SouthElizabeth C Leininger
Aug 24, 2021·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Kelly E SouthElizabeth C Leininger

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