skeletochronology (Ambystomatidae)

Knowledge graph centered on skeletochronology (Ambystomatidae) with 17 nodes and 47 connections. Top connected: Ambystoma mavortium, Mexican Cut Nature Preserve, Ambystoma macrodactylum, facultative paedomorphosis, mark-recapture (Ambystomatidae).

Method synopsis

Standard skeletochronology protocol involving tissue fixation, decalcification, cryostat sectioning, histological staining, and LAG counting to determine age in amphibians.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 1 paper using this protocol.

Procedure from a recent peer-reviewed implementation

Steps below were extracted from the most recent peer-reviewed implementation of this protocol in the corpus — Accuracy assessment of skeletochronology in the Arizona tiger salamander (<i>Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum</i>) (2007), Copeia. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Collect tissue samples
   The fourth toe on the right rear foot was excised from each individual and stored in 70% ethanol for transport and preservation.
   Quantities: One toe per individual from 37 salamandersDuration: Single collection eventConditions: Field collection during summer 2003
   Equipment: 70% ethanol for storage
2. Transport and prepare samples
   Toes were transported to Murray State University laboratory, rinsed in de-ionized water, and then decalcified in 3% nitric acid prior to sectioning.
   Quantities: 37 toe samples processedDuration: Not specifiedConditions: Laboratory conditions at Murray State University
   Equipment: de-ionized water, 3% nitric acid
3. Section tissues
   A cryostat (HM 505 E) was used to section the toes at 20 μm thickness for histological analysis.
   Quantities: 20 μm thick sectionsDuration: Not specifiedConditions: Laboratory sectioning
   Equipment: cryostat (HM 505 E)

Typical Equipment

• 70% ethanol
• 3% nitric acid
• cryostat (HM 505 E)
• Harris' haematoxylin stain
• phase-contrast microscope

Output Measurements

• estimated age in years
• LAG count

Papers Using This Protocol (1)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used