Effect of Temperature on Sprint Performance in the Frog Xenopus laevis and the Salamander Necturus maculosus

Abstract

Sprint performance is strongly temperature dependent in the mudpuppy N. maculosus and the African clawed frog X. laevis. In experiments designed to control the effects of physical training and temperature acclimation on sprint performance, the time to swim 1.5 m was lowest at 15.degree. C in Necturus and at 27.degree. C in Xenopus, and increased as temperature was either raised or lowered from these optima. These temperatures are similar to those selected by these species in laboratory thermal gradients. [Sprint performance is probably a better index than endurance of the ability of these animals to capture prey and to avoid predation.].