Energetics of Reproduction in a Neotropical Frog, Physalaemus Pustulosus
1983
Ryan, Michael J. | Bartholomew, George A. | Rand, A Stanley
The rate of oxygen consumption (VO₂) of male Physalaemus pustulosus (mean mass 1.51 g) during 30 min of forced activity was 1.76 mL/h. The VO₂ sustained by males (mean mass 1.84 g) during °3 min of intense activity was 3.34 mL/h. Formation of a foam nest by a pair, which includes oviposition and fertilization, involved consumption of 2.64 mL O₂. In terms of ATP yield, the energy contributions of anaerobiosis account for only 2—7% of the total energy expended during calling, nest building, and sustained forced activity. The energy content of nests plus eggs averaged 3.96 kJ. By combining the metabolic data with data on the reproductive pattern of the species, we estimate the total aerobically supported energy expenditure for reproduction by each sex over a breeding season. Females expend an order of magnitude more energy for reproduction than do males: 40.96 vs. 3.25 kJ. There are few comparative data available, but female Physalaemus expend slightly more energy per gram than do female lizards (Uta stansburiana) but slightly less energy than the lizards when energy expenditure is adjusted for the length of the breeding season. Male Physalaemus use much less energy for reproduction than male lizards (Uta stansburiana). Male Physalaemus also use less energy for reproduction per gram than do males of two speices of Australian frogs (Ranidella signifera and R. parinsignifera).
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