Meet the shape-shifting baby amphibians that become cannibals

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'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 ...

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