Relationship Between Pharyngeal Arch Ossification and Early Expiration in Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum).

A significant proportion of tiger salamanders expire during or after metamorphosis, which researchers currently have no supported explanation as to why. It is thought that a possible factor in these losses is due to ossification of pharyngeal arches. The objective of this research is to observe if there is correlation between the expiration of a tiger salamander and the ossification of their pharyngeal arches during or after metamorphosis. This will be accomplished by dissecting and preparing the salamander before clearing and staining the bones and cartilage. Clearing and staining will use multiple solutions in varying concentrations. Pharyngeal arches will be measured for length and percentage of ossification once clearing and staining is complete. Data collection is currently in progress.