Mating Systems: Explosive Mating Aggregations
Mating system characteristic of many anurans.
- Often in temporary ponds and during early spring.
- Breeding period is short (one to several nights); large number of individuals present.
- Competition among males for mates.
- Strong selection pressure for short breeding period.
- Ephemeral nature of breeding pond.
- Cannibalism & predation
- Males arrive first and are more abundant.
- While calling, males move around pond searching for potential mates.