A morphometric study of two Carpathian newt populations (Triturus montandoni): North-West and South-East Tatra mountains

Abstract

Morphometric data from the Tatra mountains populations of the Carpathian newt Triturus montandoni were analysed for the presence of sexual and environmentally influenced size and shape variation. The data sets were examined with multivariate methods. Sexual dimorphism in size and body weight was clearly demonstrated in the species. The separation in shape was also highly related to sex. Females had relatively shorter tail and wider head than males. No evidence of size or shape variation was found between two different years. The newts tended to differ in shape between localities. Specimens from SE Tatra locations were relatively shorter with wider head than animals from the NW Tatra mountains. This pattern of variation in shape was independent of sexual size or shape dimorphism in newts. There was found high correlation between body weight in females and their shape variation in tail length and head width. Heavier females had relatively wider head and shorter tail than lighter females. There was not found difference in this pattern of shape in males. But heavier males were relatively longer and had narrower head than their lighter counterparts. The results are discussed in terms of evolution of intersexual dimorphism and adaptation to different environmental conditions.