Osteological investigations of some anura’s species (Rana ridibunda, Rana dalmatina, Pelobates syriacus, Pelodytes caucasicus)

OSTEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF SOME ANURA? S SPECIES (Ranaridibunda, Rana dalmatina, Pelobates syriacus, Pelodytes caucasicus)ABSTRACTIn this study, qualitative and quantitative osteological features of Pelobatessyriacus within family Pelobatidae; Pelodytes caucasicus within family Pelodytidae;and Rana ridibunda, Rana dalmatina within family Ranidae were examined indetails. The specimens were prepared by the method of ?transparent-painted totalskeleton?. The specimens were examined according to 50 qualitative and 22quantitative osteological features. Also, the species were compared with statisticallyby using 12 osteological measurements.There were important osteological differences between Rana ridibunda andRana dalmatina species, especially at the skull?s bones and at the parts ofappendicular skeletons. On the other hand; between Pelobates syriacus andPelodytes caucasicus species, lots of important distinguished qualitative andquantitative osteological differences were found, either at the skulls, or at the spinalcolumns. These results support that, Pelobates syriacus and Pelodytes caucasicusspecies are included the different families.Keywords: Rana ridibunda, Rana dalmatina, Pelobates syriacus, Pelodytescaucasicus, Pelodytidae, Pelobatidae, Ranidae, Osteology.viii