Mating Call in the Speciation of Anuran Amphibians

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Abstract
The state of knowledge of the mating call in anuran evolution is reviewed. As measured with a sound spectrograph, the call shows individual, intrapopulational and geographic variation. These variations are attributed to both genetic and evironmental factors. Each species has a distinctive call, but basic similarities in call structure are useful in showing evolutionary relationships. Various allopatric and sympatric species pairs are discussed in relation to their bearing on the question of purely geographic speciation versus geographic separation with subsequent reinforcement of isolation mechanisms. Evidence from species pairs in the genera Acris, Hyla, Pseudacris, Bufo and Scaphiopus indicates that speciation has occurred in both of these ways. The mating call is weak or lacking in various anurans in situations where the identification function of the call is relatively unimportant. Some natural hybridization occurs between species with well differentiated calls. The calls of hybrids between closely related species are intermediate between those of the parental species. The calls of hybrids between the distantly related Bufo woodhousei and B. valliceps are imperfect and tend to resemble the cells of the male (valliceps) parent.