Sexual Dimorphism and Age Structure in a Population of Tylototriton verrucosus (Amphibia: Salamandridae) from the Himalayan Region

摘要: Abstract We measured 17 morphometric characters of 38 females and 50 males from one the largest known populations Himalayan Newt, T. verrucosus, located in Darjeeling District West Bengal, India. To evaluate proximate causes sexual dimorphism, we determined individual age by skeletochronology. At breeding site, were significantly longer heavier than had larger heads limbs. Despite their smaller size, bigger cloacae higher tails. Females were, on average, 2.5 years older males, about 26% them oldest male sampled. In both sexes, snout–vent length increases with age. Males independent age: difference mean at maturity (2.5 for 3.2 females) is main source observed size dimorphism. With effects body statistically removed, show proportionally forelimbs, tails, a different head shape. The results a...