LEVELS OF CALCIUM IN THE SKIN OF SOME AMPHIBIANS AND POSSIBLE EVOLUTIONARY IMPLICATIONS

Levels of calcium (Ca) in the skin were determined in several species of anuran and urodele obtained from various environments. One species of apodan was also examined as a reference, which is completely aquati c. We confirmed that, in general, amphibians contain large amounts of Ca in the skin. However, it was clear that Ca levels in the skin are g reater in anurans than in urodeles, although even among anurans there were some variations. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that, in anuran s, levels of Ca are higher in the dorsal skin than in the ventral skin in species adapted to semi-terrestrial and semi-aquatic environments. This was not the case for the species that inhabit an aquatic environ ment.