高原林蛙形态特征的海拔变异

Altitudinal Morphological Variation in Rana kukunoris

摘要: 对于广域分布的动物，其形态特征的地理变异是对不同区域环境条件的长期适应形成的。青藏高原特殊的地理位置和气候条件，孕育了一大批独特的生物资源，使其成为研究生物对高原环境适应性进化的热点地区。本研究以青藏高原不同海拔高原林蛙(Rana kukunoris)为研究对象，对采自青海省4个海拔梯度(2000 m、2600 m、3200 m和3800 m)共计242个高原林蛙样本进行10项形态特征测定。结果表明，雌性和雄性的高原林蛙3800 m种群的体型显著大于其他3个海拔种群，符合贝格曼法则；4个种群中均存在两性异形现象，且雌性小于雄性，主要集中在前肢长、后肢长、足长和体重4项特征。本研究为青藏高原两栖动物形态特征与两性异形的地理变异提供了数据支撑。

Abstract: Geographical variation in morphological traits of widely distributed species stems from long-term adaptation to distinct regional environmental conditions. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with its unique geographical position and climatic conditions, has fostered unique biological resources and represents a key region for studying high-altitude adaptation in organisms. This study examined the plateau brown frog (Rana kukunoris) across elevational gradients on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. We measured ten morphological traits in 242 specimens collected from four elevations (2000 m, 2600 m, 3200 m, and 3800 m) in Qinghai Province. Results showed that both female and male R. kukunoris from the 3800 m population exhibited significantly larger body sizes than those from lower elevations, consistent with Bergmann’s rule. Sexual dimorphism occurred across all four populations, with females being smaller than males. This dimorphism was primarily expressed in forelimb length, hindlimb length, foot length, and body weight. Our findings provide foundational data for research on geographical variation in morphological traits and sexual dimorphism among Qinghai-Tibet Plateau amphibians.