Meet the shape-shifting baby amphibians that become cannibals
'Normal' Tadpole (left) and 'Cannibal Morph' of the Spadefoot Toad ( Scaphiopus ). The larger head morphology allows the developing larvae to go after a wider array of prey items, including Fairy Shrimp (center) ... and each other! A great summary of the larval phenomena of Phenotypic Plasticity ... one of the most dramatic forms is the Cannibal Morph , when normally omnivore/vegetarian tadpoles suddenly grow large teeth and an appetite to consume their siblings. The article contains some interview snippets from Amphibian Foundation Scientific Advisory Board member Susan Walls . Click here to read ...
