Israel is home to two species of amphibians belonging to distinct genera: Salamandra and Ommatotriton. They inhabit various regions, sometimes coexisting and in other instances dwelling separately across different are...Israel is home to two species of amphibians belonging to distinct genera: Salamandra and Ommatotriton. They inhabit various regions, sometimes coexisting and in other instances dwelling separately across different areas, making their segregation challenging. This study compares the biological, ecological, and genetic traits of two species, the Near Eastern fire salamander Salamandra infraimmaculata and the southern banded newt Ommatotriton vittatus, to determine why O. vittatus thrives in a wider range of semi-arid habitats in central and southern Israel, whereas S. infraimmaculata predominantly occupies the coastal Mediterranean region in the north. Salamander larvae are typically found in streams, freshwater springs, and cave pools, whereas newt larvae inhabit winter pools and ponds exclusively. The developmental phase of salamander tadpoles extends over several months, whereas newt tadpoles spend a comparatively brief period in the water, from 1 to a few months. Notably, genetic disparities in the cytochrome b sequence in Israeli populations are more pronounced among newts than salamanders.展开更多
The response to hiding places of metamorphosed newts (Triturus vittatus vittatus) affected by light and moisture was studied under experimental conditions. No significant differences (X2-test;P > 0.05) were found i...The response to hiding places of metamorphosed newts (Triturus vittatus vittatus) affected by light and moisture was studied under experimental conditions. No significant differences (X2-test;P > 0.05) were found in the choice of hiding places covered with black or transparent paper as the control of the experimental methods. The selection of hiding places by the newts is significant regarding soil moisture and negative phototoxicity. Significant differences (X2-test;P T. v. vittatus chose moist soil in hiding places covered by black or transparent paper in all the various combinations, and the difference was significant (X2-test;P < 0.001).展开更多
文摘Israel is home to two species of amphibians belonging to distinct genera: Salamandra and Ommatotriton. They inhabit various regions, sometimes coexisting and in other instances dwelling separately across different areas, making their segregation challenging. This study compares the biological, ecological, and genetic traits of two species, the Near Eastern fire salamander Salamandra infraimmaculata and the southern banded newt Ommatotriton vittatus, to determine why O. vittatus thrives in a wider range of semi-arid habitats in central and southern Israel, whereas S. infraimmaculata predominantly occupies the coastal Mediterranean region in the north. Salamander larvae are typically found in streams, freshwater springs, and cave pools, whereas newt larvae inhabit winter pools and ponds exclusively. The developmental phase of salamander tadpoles extends over several months, whereas newt tadpoles spend a comparatively brief period in the water, from 1 to a few months. Notably, genetic disparities in the cytochrome b sequence in Israeli populations are more pronounced among newts than salamanders.
文摘The response to hiding places of metamorphosed newts (Triturus vittatus vittatus) affected by light and moisture was studied under experimental conditions. No significant differences (X2-test;P > 0.05) were found in the choice of hiding places covered with black or transparent paper as the control of the experimental methods. The selection of hiding places by the newts is significant regarding soil moisture and negative phototoxicity. Significant differences (X2-test;P T. v. vittatus chose moist soil in hiding places covered by black or transparent paper in all the various combinations, and the difference was significant (X2-test;P < 0.001).
