Semicircular canal size constrains vestibular function in miniaturized frogs

Authors: Richard L. Essner, Rudá E. E. Pereira, David C. Blackburn, Amber L. Singh, Edward L. Stanley, Mauricio O. Moura, André E. Confetti, Marcio R. Pie

Published: 2022-06-15

DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn1104

Source: Full article


Abstract

Miniaturization has evolved repeatedly in frogs in the moist leaf litter environments of rainforests worldwide. Miniaturized frogs are among the world’s smallest vertebrates and exhibit an array of enigmatic features. One area where miniaturization has predictable consequences is the vestibular system, which acts as a gyroscope, providing sensory information about movement and orientation. We investigated the vestibular system of pumpkin toadlets,