Body size and age of the China Wood Frog (Rana chensinensis) in northeastern China.

Age structure and body size of a population of the China Wood Frog (Rana chensinensis) in northeastern China were determined by using skeletochronology. Lines of arrested growth (LAGs) recorded in phalanges were used to estimate the age of adults. Results showed that average age did not differ significantly between males and females. Age at sexual maturity in both sexes was 1 yr. The maximum observed longevity was 5 yrs in males and 4 yrs in females, respectively. Average body size of females was significantly larger than males. A non-significant negative correlation between body size and air temperature was found among the seven populations when the effect of altitude, latitude and age was controlled, suggesting that latitudinal variation in body size of Rana chensinensis across different temperature environment do not follow Bergmann's rule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]