ADAPTATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION 



major one in another, so no hard and last rule can he estahHshed tor any 

 one which will apply to all species. Theretore, after as many data as possible 

 have been gathered for a potential breeding site, the final conclusion inevi- 

 tably must be based upon the experience and judgment of the observer. 



Below are listed terms used in describing breeding sites, and definitions 

 are given indicating quasi-quantitative meanings, where possible. Other less 

 exact terms are used in their usual senses. Both types of terms are sometimes 

 further modified by qualifying adjectives. 



A. Depth: 



( 1 ) shallow is used for water up to 1 Vi feet in depth. 



(2) intermediate — 114 feet but below 3 feet. 



(3) deep — above 3 feet. 



B. Temperature (water or air): 



(1) cold—0° to 10° C. 



(2) intermediate — 11" to 20° C. 



(3) u'arm— 21° to 40° C. 



C. Turbidity: 



(1) muddy — visibility through water as standing in the pool practically zero in good 



light. 



(2) turbid — visibility a few inches. 



(3) semi-clear — visibility at least 1 foot but with a haze noticeable. 



(4) clear — practically no turbidity. 



D. Permanence of water: 



( 1) temporary water — present not more than a few months — usually only a few weeks 

 — site dry at least once a year on the average. 



(2) semi-permanent water — present in some c]uantity through rather long periods, 



usually two or more years, but varying with conditions. 



(3) Permanent water — never wholly absent through long periods — many years. 



Below are repeated alphabetically the species of Salientia known in 

 Oklahoma. For each is summarized (1) ecological relationships, (2) general 

 region of the state where found, (3) characteristics of typical breeding sites, 

 (4) breeding patterns, and (5) known exceptions. See also Table 1. For more 

 detailed descriptions of the ecological cominunities, see Bruner (1931), Bragg 

 and Smith ( 1943), and Blair and Hubbell ( 1938). For the ecological relations 

 of Bufo in Oklahoma see Bragg and Smith (1943), of Scaphiopus, Bragg 

 (1944a-45), of Hylidae, Bragg (1943). 



1. Acris crepitans Baird (Northern Cricket Frog) 



Geographically unrestricted; ecologically restricted to pool, lake, or 

 stream margins but not often present in heavily wooded sections even near 

 water; breeding in any water which is (1) standing, (2) shallow, and (3) in- 

 termediate in temperature; especially abundant if vegetation is protruding 

 and algae are plentiful, hence most common in clear to semi-clear pools, lakes 

 or stream margins, especially on mud flats; seldom about pools with steep 

 banks. Not especially abundant in swamps. Breeding unknown in shallow, 

 clear, bufifalo wallows (although feeding and occasionally calling about 

 them). Apparently never breeds in deep water but may use shallows in the 

 edges of very deep lakes or streams. Breeding pattern, intermediate with 



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