Phylogeny and evolution of amphibian larvae

Larval forms provide information about the evolution of frogs

Blindworms, salamanders and frogs could not be more different, yet these amphibians living today form a monophyletic group (Lissamphibia). The reproductive strategies in the three groups are diverse. Our studies on the anatomy of the larval forms, focussing on cranial morphology, musculature and development, show that despite apparently large structural differences, the similarities between the groups predominate. Cranial structures and head muscles can be homologised well. We use these feature complexes for phylogenetic relationship analyses. The evolution of the larvae of frog amphibians (tadpoles) is one focus of our work.

Digital morphology opens up new possibilities

Digital methods in morphology and anatomy enable precise analyses of anatomical structures, in the case of computer tomography even without damaging the object. These 3D methods expand the repertoire of methods and allow new questions to be asked. The visualisations also improve scientific communication.