A METHODS TO DETERMINE AGE IN ANURANS FRO M MICROSECTIONS OF PHALANGES

A method of determining the age in anurans using longitudinal microsec tions of finger phalanges has been described. Dried phalanges are grou nd on both sides to a thickness of 30-50 mcm, dehydrated by xylene and clarified in immersion oil. The obtained preparation is analysed usin g a common microscope and transmitted polarized light. As the bone tis sue is anisotropic, the layers which differ in density, can be discern ed in diaphisis as variegated strips running parallel to the marrow ch annel. The method provides the fast and reliable determining the age o f the animals, but it does not permit to analyse subtle details of the bone tissue structure.