Effect of Acidic Precipitation on Amphibian Breeding in Temporary Ponds in Pennsylvania

摘要

In order to assess the impact of acidic deposition on amphibians which breed in temporary ponds in Pennsylvania, the authors investigated: (1) the lowest pH's at which embryos of each species could hatch, and the influence of external ion concentration on embryonic tolerance; (2) the physiological effects of low pH on aMphibian larvae; (3) pond chemistry and the influence of rainfall on pond pH and other chemical variables; and (4) the effect of pond pH on embryonic survival and how these factors influence the local distribution of Jefferson salamanders (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) and wood frogs (Ranasylvatica).