Odorrana
Encyclopedia
Odorrana is a genus
of true frog
s (Ranidae) from East Asia
and surrounding regions. Many of these frogs inhabit fast-flowing mountain streams, and they typically have a remarkably pointed snout, as evidenced by common names like "long-snout" or "tip-nosed frog" and scientific names like nasica or nasutus ("with a nose
").
history. Most species placed here were initially placed in Rana
. Some were considered to belong in Amolops
and Huia
instead, and yet again others were separated as Eburana. The most extreme proposal was to merge Odorrana into Huia.
In the early 21st century, molecular phylogenetic studies established that the systematic confusion was due to widespread convergent evolution
between Amolops, Huia and Odorrana, which actually represent quite distinct lineages of Raninae. This necessitated some taxonomic changes, especially affecting Huia. It was also found that Odorrana is a rather close relative of Rana (which includes Lithobates
nowadays) – possibly the most closely related living lineage. And while it is not completely certain that Odorrana is in fact a distinct genus, the available evidence points towards this being so.
Initial studies have revealed what seems to be several clade
s of Odorrana, which are sometimes considered subgenera. But it must be noted that few species have had their DNA sequence
data sampled, and that the convergent evolution is liable to obscure relationships if assessed by morphology
alone:
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
of true frog
True frog
The true frogs, family Ranidae, have the widest distribution of any frog family. They are abundant throughout most of the world, occurring on most continents except Antarctica...
s (Ranidae) from East Asia
East Asia
East Asia or Eastern Asia is a subregion of Asia that can be defined in either geographical or cultural terms...
and surrounding regions. Many of these frogs inhabit fast-flowing mountain streams, and they typically have a remarkably pointed snout, as evidenced by common names like "long-snout" or "tip-nosed frog" and scientific names like nasica or nasutus ("with a nose
Nose
Anatomically, a nose is a protuberance in vertebrates that houses the nostrils, or nares, which admit and expel air for respiration in conjunction with the mouth. Behind the nose are the olfactory mucosa and the sinuses. Behind the nasal cavity, air next passes through the pharynx, shared with the...
").
Systematics and taxonomy
Odorrana has a confusing taxonomic and systematicSystematics
Biological systematics is the study of the diversification of terrestrial life, both past and present, and the relationships among living things through time. Relationships are visualized as evolutionary trees...
history. Most species placed here were initially placed in Rana
Rana (genus)
Rana is a genus of frogs. Species include such archetypal pond frogs as the common frog of Europe, brown frogs, and the New and Old World true frogs, including the various species of leopard frogs and the American bullfrog. Members of this genus are found through much of Eurasia, North America,...
. Some were considered to belong in Amolops
Amolops
Amolops is a quite large genus of true frogs native mainly to eastern and southeastern Asia. These frogs are quite closely related to such genera as Huia, Meristogenys, Odorrana, Pelohylax and Rana, but still form a distinct lineage among the core radiation of true frogs...
and Huia
Huia (genus)
Huia is a group of true frogs found in Southeast Asia. Many are commonly known as "torrent frogs" after their favorite habitat - small rapid-flowing mountain and hill streams -, but this name is used for many similar-looking frogs regardless of whether they are closely related...
instead, and yet again others were separated as Eburana. The most extreme proposal was to merge Odorrana into Huia.
In the early 21st century, molecular phylogenetic studies established that the systematic confusion was due to widespread convergent evolution
Convergent evolution
Convergent evolution describes the acquisition of the same biological trait in unrelated lineages.The wing is a classic example of convergent evolution in action. Although their last common ancestor did not have wings, both birds and bats do, and are capable of powered flight. The wings are...
between Amolops, Huia and Odorrana, which actually represent quite distinct lineages of Raninae. This necessitated some taxonomic changes, especially affecting Huia. It was also found that Odorrana is a rather close relative of Rana (which includes Lithobates
Lithobates
Lithobates is a subgenus of frogs of the genus Rana found in Central and South America.It was briefly proposed as a separate genus in 2006, but that was rejected in later studies.-Species:...
nowadays) – possibly the most closely related living lineage. And while it is not completely certain that Odorrana is in fact a distinct genus, the available evidence points towards this being so.
Initial studies have revealed what seems to be several clade
Clade
A clade is a group consisting of a species and all its descendants. In the terms of biological systematics, a clade is a single "branch" on the "tree of life". The idea that such a "natural group" of organisms should be grouped together and given a taxonomic name is central to biological...
s of Odorrana, which are sometimes considered subgenera. But it must be noted that few species have had their DNA sequence
DNA sequence
The sequence or primary structure of a nucleic acid is the composition of atoms that make up the nucleic acid and the chemical bonds that bond those atoms. Because nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are unbranched polymers, this specification is equivalent to specifying the sequence of...
data sampled, and that the convergent evolution is liable to obscure relationships if assessed by morphology
Morphology (biology)
In biology, morphology is a branch of bioscience dealing with the study of the form and structure of organisms and their specific structural features....
alone:
- A number of very basal species, including O. bacboensis, O. chapaensisOdorrana chapaensisOdorrana chapaensis is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is found in Thailand, Vietnam, possibly Cambodia, and possibly Laos....
, Ishikawa's FrogIshikawa's FrogIshikawa's Frog, Odorrana ishikawae, is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is endemic to Japan.Its natural habitats are temperate forests, rivers, and intermittent rivers.It is threatened by habitat loss.-References:...
(O. ishikawae) and perhaps others do not seem to be particularly close to any of the larger groups or each other. - A very robustly-supported clade containing the type speciesType speciesIn biological nomenclature, a type species is both a concept and a practical system which is used in the classification and nomenclature of animals and plants. The value of a "type species" lies in the fact that it makes clear what is meant by a particular genus name. A type species is the species...
O. margaretaeOdorrana margaretaeOdorrana margaretae is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is endemic to China.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, rivers, arable land, rural gardens, heavily degraded former forest, and irrigated land. It is...
as well as at least O. andersoniiOdorrana andersoniiOdorrana andersonii is a species of frog in the Ranidae family.It is found in China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, rivers, arable land, rural gardens, and heavily degraded...
, O. daorumOdorrana daorumOdorrana daorum is a species of frog in the Ranidae family.It is found in Hong Kong, Vietnam, and possibly China.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and rivers. Its status is insufficiently known.-Source:...
O. grahamiOdorrana grahamiOdorrana grahami is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is found in China, Vietnam, and possibly Myanmar.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, temperate grassland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded...
and O. hmongorumOdorrana hmongorumOdorrana hmongorum is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is endemic to Vietnam.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and rivers. Its status is insufficiently known.-Source:...
. - A minor but quite distinct lineage containing O. absita, O. khalam and perhaps others. Namely O. hejiangensisOdorrana hejiangensisOdorrana hejiangensis is a species of frog in the Ranidae family.It is endemic to China.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and rivers.Its status is insufficiently known.-Source:* Lau, M.W.N. & Guanfu, W. 2004. . ...
and O. schmackeriOdorrana schmackeriOdorrana schmackeri is a species of frog in the Ranidae family.It is endemic to China.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and rivers.It is not considered threatened by the IUCN.-References:* Lau, M.W.N., Baorong, G.,...
might belong here, or represent another minor and distinct lineage. - A large group, quite likely a clade, containing the Amami Tip-nosed FrogAmami Tip-nosed FrogThe Amami tip-nosed frog, Odorrana amamiensis, is a species of frog in the Ranidae family.It is endemic to Japan.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rivers.It is threatened by habitat loss.-References:...
(O. amamiensis), O. banaorumOdorrana banaorumOdorrana banaorum is a species of frog in the Ranidae family.It is endemic to Vietnam.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rivers.Its status is insufficiently known.-Source:...
, O. chloronotaOdorrana chloronotaOdorrana chloronota is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is found in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and possibly Bangladesh and Nepal....
, Hose's FrogHose's FrogHose's Frog, Odorrana hosei, is a true frog species with a wide range in Southeast Asia. This species was named after zoologist Charles Hose....
(O. hosii), O. lividaOdorrana lividaThe green mountain frog, or Odorrana livida, is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is endemic to Burma and Thailand.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rivers. Its status is insufficiently known.-Source:...
, O. morafkaiOdorrana morafkaiOdorrana morafkai is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is endemic to Vietnam.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rivers. Its status is insufficiently known....
, O. megatympanumOdorrana megatympanumOdorrana megatympanum is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is endemic to Vietnam.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and rivers. Its status is insufficiently known.-Source:* Bain. R. 2004. . Downloaded...
, the Ryukyu Tip-nosed FrogRyukyu Tip-nosed FrogThe Ryukyu Tip-nosed Frog, Odorrana narina, is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is endemic to Japan.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.-References:...
(O. narina), O. supranarinaOdorrana supranarinaOdorrana supranarina is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is endemic to Japan.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.-References:...
, O. swinhoanaOdorrana swinhoanaOdorrana swinhoana is a species of frog in the Ranidae family.It is endemic to Taiwan.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and rivers....
, O. tiannanensisOdorrana tiannanensisOdorrana tiannanensis is a species of frog in the Ranidae family.It is found in China, possibly Laos, and possibly Vietnam.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rivers.It is becoming rare due to habitat loss....
, O. utsunomiyaorumOdorrana utsunomiyaorumOdorrana utsunomiyaorum is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is endemic to Japan.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.-References:...
and probably others. The specialized lineage encompassing the Long-snout Torrent FrogLong-snout Torrent FrogThe Long-snout Torrent Frog is a species of frog in the Ranidae family.It is found in China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and possibly Myanmar....
(O. nasica), the Concave-eared Torrent Frog (O. tormota), O. versabilisOdorrana versabilisOdorrana versabilis is a species of frog in the Ranidae family.It is endemic to China.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and rivers. It is not considered threatened by the IUCN.-References:* Liang, F. & Cheng, L....
, and maybe some more species also belongs here.