Meeting Abstract
43.1 Tuesday, Jan. 5 The celebrated jumping frogs of Calaveras County: how far can a frog really jump? ABBOTT, E.M.*; MARSH, R.L.; ASTLEY, H.C.; AZIZI, E.; ROBERTS, T.J.; Brown Univ.; Northeastern Univ.; Brown ; Brown ; Brown Emily_Abbott@brown.edu
True performance limits, as defined by maximal physiological function, can be difficult to identify. Estimating maximal performance often relies on subjective criteria, and may be hindered by limited sample size, time, and variability in behavior. Our interest in the maximal jumping performance of frogs led us to the 82nd annual Calaveras County Jumping Frog Jubilee, where large numbers of frogs (Rana catesbeiana), standardized rules, numerous trials and competitors’ years of experience improves the chance of measuring true maximal performance. We used an HD camcorder to record a sequence of three jumps for each competing bullfrog. The jumping stage was calibrated using a large grid and a perspective de-distortion algorithm (estimated error = ± 1cm). During the three-day competition, we recorded and analyzed more than 3,000 jumps from nearly 1,000 individuals. The distributions of jump distances revealed the influence of competitors’ expertise. Frog jumping “professionals”, who bring their own frogs and compete annually, elicited jumps that were skewed to long distances. The jump distances produced by “civilians” using rental frogs provided by the organizers were shorter and followed a normal distribution. The longest jump distance recorded was 2.20 m, almost twice as far as published estimates for this species (1.29 m, Zug 1978). Peak power outputs during the longest jumps were higher than 850 (W/kg muscle mass), and total muscle work exceeded 50 J/kg. These values challenge the notion that semi-aquatic ranids are relatively poor jumpers due to functional trade-offs between swimming and jumping. The results of this study demonstrate the potential limitations of quantifying maximal performance in a laboratory setting. Supported by NSF grant 642428 to TJR.
