Can Anyone Climb? The Skills of a Non-specialized Toad and its Bearing on the Evolution of New Niches

Several studies of arboreal anuran species show morphological specializations for clinging onto narrow substrates. However, little is known about these capacities in non-specialized anurans, which crucial to understand the initial phases adaptation a new niche. To assess functional requirements related evolution arboreality anurans we analyzed climbing performance, and correlated anatomical traits, terrestrial toad Rhinella arenarum, choose as proxy ancestral condition regarding this specialized We studied impact substrate wooden rods with different diameters, arrangements, slopes on locomotion, grasping, comparative framework. Animals were confronted tests, video recording their behaviors. Preserved specimens dissected limb myology, osteology, tendons’ characteristics. Our results that how R. arenarum climbs from those displayed by tree frogs. flexed fingers toes, grasping displaying hookings partial graspings. The palm was scarcely involved grip, anurans. These actions performed although flexor extensor muscles digits are highly conserved generalized. Further, formally evolutionary history ecological traits among improving comprehension relation between morphofunctional patterns behavioral skills. experiments revealed possesses unexpected capacities, suggesting way niches could have developed